The Home Affairs Ministry has hoped that the selection of the (new) MRP members from each customary region can be completed (soon) and represent the customary, women, and religious groups of native Papuans.
Biak, Papua (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Home Affairs John Wempi Wetipo, here on Thursday, highlighted three strategic issues regarding Papua that should be the concern of the Papua provincial government during the 2023-2024 period.

He noted that the strategic issues in Papua include the selection of members of the Papuan People's Council (MRP) as well as the appointment of Papuan People's Representative Council (DPRP) and City/District People's Representative Council (DPRK) members from native Papuans.

The other matter was the implementation of the 2024 general elections and regional head elections, he stated after inaugurating the Regional Working Meeting (Rakerda) and Development Planning Discussion (Musrenbang) on the 2024 Papua Regional Government Working Plan (RKPD).

The deputy home affairs minister urged all district and city governments to establish election committees to appoint the MRP, DPRP, and DPRK members in 2024.

The appointment of candidates for the MRP, DPRP, and DPRK members from the indigenous Papuan people should comply with two regulations, he emphasized.

The duo regulations are Law Number 2 of 2021 concerning Special Autonomy for Papua as well as Government Regulation Number 106 of 2021 on Authority and Institutions in the Implementation of the Special Autonomy Policy for Papua Province, he stated.

"I encourage the provincial government and the district and city governments in Papua to pay attention to the applicable provisions, so that the elected MRP members can truly represent indigenous Papuans," Wetipo remarked.

As the position of governor and vice governor of Papua must be held by native Papuans, the MRP is tasked with providing recommendations regarding the authenticity of the indigeneity claim of the governor and vice governor candidates participating in the 2024 elections, he noted.

Hence, his side expected that the MRP members, elected later for the 2023-2028 term of office, can be inaugurated in June 2023.

"The Home Affairs Ministry has hoped that the selection of the (new) MRP members from each customary region can be completed (soon) and represent the customary, women, and religious groups of native Papuans," the deputy minister affirmed.

He also expressed optimism that every district and city government in Papua would strive to ensure successful implementation of the 2024 general elections and regional head elections estimated to be held on February 14, 2024.

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Translator: Muhsidin, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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