"The provincial and district governments must conduct a survey on Indigenous Papuans as soon as possible without further delays," West Papua representative at BP3OKP Irene Manibuy stated in Manokwari District on Tuesday
Manibuy explained that the census is aimed at identifying accurate and reliable data on the exact number of indigenous Papuans residing in seven districts of West Papua, namely Manokwari, South Manokwari, Arfak Mountains, Bintuni Bay, Wondama Bay, Kaimana, and Fakfak.
She then underlined that the census had been discussed at BP3OKP's plenary meeting chaired by Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, who serves as head of the steering committee.
According to Manibuy, the census is important to ensure the proper distribution of the special autonomy fund and the formulation of on-point programs dedicated to indigenous Papuan people in the province.
She then drew attention to the need for collaboration among Statistics Indonesia (BPS), population and civil registration offices, regional development planning agencies, and communication and informatics offices to make the census successful.
"The provincial and district governments cannot work alone. Hence, it is necessary to involve institutions capable of executing a census," she stated.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Special Autonomy Fraction of the Papuan People's Representative Council (DPRP) of West Papua, George Karel Dedaida, expressed hope that the census would be conducted before the results of the 2024 Regional Elections are announced.
He also urged regional governments to comprehensively map customary areas to prevent social conflicts among West Papuan traditional communities.
Earlier, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Jhon Wempi Wetipo instructed the West Papua provincial government to prepare the budget required for conducting the census.
"The provincial government must ready the budget so that the census on indigenous Papuans can run successfully," he remarked in Manokwari on April 29.
He emphasized that valid and updated data is of the essence to properly manage the use of the special autonomy fund.
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Translator: Fransiskus S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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