The team will help prospective districts meet administrative requirements and oversee the expansion process in Southwest Papua, which became Indonesia's 38th province in 2022.
"This team will assist the proposed new districts in preparing the necessary administrative documents while awaiting the lifting of the moratorium by President Prabowo Subianto," Southwest Papua Governor Elisa Kambu said in Sorong on Thursday.
Of the six proposals, the Ministry of Home Affairs has so far approved only two: Imeko in South Sorong District and South Raja Ampat in Raja Ampat District.
"Our priority is these two proposed DOBs, but the other four – North Raja Ampat, Malamoi, Maybrat Sau, and Mpur – will also receive equal attention," Kambu said.
He underscored the importance of synergy between local governments, indigenous communities, and the central government to ensure regional expansions contribute to development while preserving local culture.
"During the campaign, I saw that Imeko must be fought for under any circumstances," Kambu said, stressing that turning Imeko into a district would allow it to grow in line with residents' aspirations.
"If not, Imeko will remain stagnant. From South Sorong to Imeko, people will continue to consider the journey long, costly, and difficult, which will hinder the development of its potential," he added.
Kambu said the push for Imeko’s district status must be pursued collectively and in line with official procedures.
As a follow-up, he will coordinate closely with the South Sorong Regent to prepare expansion documents for Imeko, noting that a decision from the local District Legislative Council (DPRK) and the regent is required.
"We will also revise the feasibility study documents, which were previously under West Papua Province," he said.
Kambu expressed confidence that Imeko would be granted district status before his term ends.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Anton Santoso
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