Regarding Special Autonomy for Papua, Waropen Regent: The President Must Act on His Statement Before the Papuan Regional Heads

By Paulus Laratmase

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JAKARTA — suaraanaknegeriwes.com | The Regent of Waropen, Drs. FX Mote, M.Si, emphasized that the statement by the Governor of Central Papua regarding the Special Autonomy Fund (Otsus) for Papua, delivered before the Minister of Home Affairs, the Head of Bappenas, and the President of the Republic of Indonesia, was the collective voice of all regional heads in Papua. Mote made this statement in a mobile phone interview with suaraanaknegerinews.com , responding to the dynamics of the national meeting on the acceleration of Papuan development at the State Palace.

According to Mote, the Governor of Central Papua’s statement was not a personal statement, but rather the result of a collective agreement among governors, regents, and mayors across Papua. Therefore, he emphasized the importance of the state’s consistency in realizing the commitment the President conveyed to all regional heads in Papua.

“What the Governor of Central Papua conveyed was a joint agreement of all governors, regents, and mayors in Papua. This is not the voice of one person. Therefore, the President’s statement before us all must be realized,” Regent Waropen emphasized.

Mote highlighted the statement by the Governor of Central Papua, which openly described the reality of the ongoing conflict in Papua, particularly in mountainous areas, valleys, rivers, and coastal areas. The statement emphasized that Papua is living in a real war situation, with high geographic and security risks, necessitating specific, fair and sustainable policies.

“Papua is truly a conflict zone. Six regencies in Central Papua are located in mountainous areas with a high level of vulnerability. Not to mention the Papua Mountains and areas accessible only by river and sea, which pose various risks. This is a real situation that the government must understand,” said FX Mote, echoing the statement of Central Papua Governor Meki Nawipa, SH.

He emphasized that, in this context, the Papua Special Autonomy Fund should not be treated merely as a fiscal burden on the state, but rather as an instrument of justice and accelerated development. He even argued that the Special Autonomy Fund needs to be reviewed and restored in accordance with the mandate of the law, and even increased if possible.

“Papua’s independence campaign was not without reason. Aceh’s was driven by economic factors, while Papua’s was driven by conflict, isolation, and complex underdevelopment. But Papua has committed to remaining loyal to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Therefore, the state should not reduce the Special Autonomy Fund; if necessary, increase it,” said Regent FX Mote.

He also echoed the statement of Central Papua Governor Meki Nawipa, highlighting the human resources issues in Papua, particularly the high illiteracy rate, which remains a serious challenge. Referring to research from the University of Papua (UNIPA), Mote stated that a budget of approximately IDR 9.4 trillion (approximately US$700 million) would be needed over ten years to eradicate illiteracy in Papua.

“This is a clear, research-based figure. Even considering Freeport’s contribution, which has already reached Rp 94 trillion, if just 10 percent were allocated to education, school and literacy issues in Papua could be resolved,” he said.

Furthermore, Mote reminded the central government not to weaken the Papua Special Autonomy Law through derivative policies such as Presidential Regulations. He argued that legally and politically, a Presidential Regulation must not contradict or override the Special Autonomy Law, which establishes Papua’s special status within the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

“Don’t play with the law. Presidential regulations must not defeat the Papua Special Autonomy Law. This is a matter of the Papuan people’s trust in the state,” he stressed.

Regarding the meeting chaired by President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Mote expressed his support for the direction of national policies conveyed by the President, including accelerated development, food and energy self-sufficiency, the construction of hospitals, schools, infrastructure, and security guarantees throughout Papua.

“As Regent of Waropen, we support the Asta Cita RPJMN, the RPJMD for all provinces in Papua, and the RPJMDs for districts/cities in Tanah Papua. However, this support must be accompanied by consistent budget allocation and policies,” he said.

Mote also assessed that the 2025–2029 Papua Development Acceleration Action Plan (RAPPP) initiated by Bappenas must truly become a living document, drafted by listening to the voices of regional heads who directly understand the conditions on the ground.

“Synchronization between the central and regional governments is key. But more than that, the state must be present with the political courage to address inequality in Papua. Don’t let the major commitments made at the Palace end up as mere speeches,” concluded Regent Waropen.