The plan for the expansion of the Papua region by the central government in Jakarta has caused polemics

Three new provinces will be formed in Papua as an expansion of the Papua Province region. The plan to form a province in the eastern tip of Indonesia is regulated in the Bill (RUU) of the Province of South Papua, Central Papua Province, and the Province of Papua Central Mountains.

Papua Source: Google earth

The plan is that the three new provinces will also use local designations. The Central Mountains, whose capital is Wamena, will use the name Lapago. Then, Central Papua, which has a capital city in Timika, will use the name Meepago. Then, South Papua, whose capital is Merauke, will use the name Ha Anim.

However, this naming cannot be separated from criticism.

The intention to accommodate local elements actually backfired because the naming would raise one tribe but demean at least 5 other indigenous tribes.

A lecturer from Cenderawasih University, Papua, Marinus Yaung, explained this position.

Dosen dari Universitas Cenderawasih, Papua, Marinus Yaung Source: Supplied

In this interview, Marinus also emphasized that the case for Papua was different from Timor Leste, which could hold a popular opinion poll, and then choose to separate from Indonesia. Why does Marinus think so?

 

Listen to SBS Indonesian every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3 pm.

Follow us on Facebook and catch us up on podcasts.