Wamena, Jubi – Tens of Indigenous Papuan entrepreneurs and contractors in the Mountainous Papua Province protested at the Governor’s office seeking assurances regarding job opportunities for Indigenous Papuans.
Jhon Matuan, the coordinator, expressed their collective frustration over the lack of clarity regarding promised work projects that had been auctioned four months ago but hadn’t materialized yet.
Matuan elaborated on their recent meeting with the Governor of Mountainous Papua where assurances were made about a budget allocation of Rp19 billion from the provincial Public Works and Housing Office earmarked for Indigenous Papuan entrepreneurs. However, despite these commitments, the anticipated work projects have not materialized as promised.
Matuan emphasized their disappointment in the delay, citing instances where projects were awarded to non-Indigenous Papuan entrepreneurs, including those affiliated with official entities within the provincial government.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Papuan Entrepreneurs Customary Chamber (KAPP) Musa Haluk called upon all heads of government agencies and officials with companies (CV and PT) to refrain from participating in job auctions, urging them instead to prioritize Indigenous Papuan entrepreneurs in Mountainous Papua. Haluk stressed the urgent need for the Provincial Government to take swift action in fulfilling these promises.
Nabas Tabuni, representing the Indigenous Papua entrepreneurs from Lanny Jaya, echoed the sentiment, urging the Mountainous Papua Provincial Government to exclude non-Indigenous Papuan entrepreneurs from future auctions. He highlighted the presence of numerous qualified local companies and regional subsidiaries, emphasizing that it was time for the government to prioritize the involvement of Indigenous Papuans in these opportunities for the upcoming year. (*)
