Heaptalk, Jakarta — Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri) Ribka Haluk attended a Hearing Session (RDP) with Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) on Thursday (March 13, 2025). During the session, she provided an update on the progress of governance development in Papua’s four New Autonomous Regions (DOB).
Ribka explained that the establishment of these four DOBs—South Papua, Central Papua, Highland Papua, and Southwest Papua—was based on four laws: Law No. 14 of 2022, Law No. 15 of 2022, Law No. 16 of 2022, and Law No. 29 of 2022. Under these regulations, the central government can provide guidance and facilitation for three years following their official establishment.
“This year may also mark the final year in which the central government provides guidance and facilitation, as the regional governments now have definitive governors. I believe they will soon operate independently in managing governance and further facilitation efforts,” said Ribka, representing the Minister of Home Affairs, during the Commission II meeting room hearing in DPR RI.
Regarding infrastructure development, Ribka stated that all four DOBs have completed their master plans. Meanwhile, in terms of civil servant recruitment, efforts are being made to ensure that 80% of the workforce comprises Indigenous Papuans (OAP).
Since the four DOBs were formed, the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) has undertaken numerous guidance and facilitation efforts. This includes supporting the implementation of a 12-agenda roadmap, which began before the regions were officially established and the Acting Governors (Pj. Gubernur) were sworn in.
“The Minister has personally led meetings, consistently providing direct assistance and conducting quarterly evaluations of the performance of both Acting Governors and Acting Regents in these new regions,” she added.
Furthermore, Ribka highlighted establishing an assistance team for governance implementation to enhance coordination at the central level in developing the DOBs. Additionally, technical regulations and guidelines have been prepared to ensure smooth governance operations.
Moreover, Kemendagri actively coordinates with the parent regions, DOBs, and district/city administrations to address challenges during the transition period. Lastly, the ministry encourages technical ministries to develop special Norms, Standards, Procedures, and Criteria (NSPK) tailored to the Papua context.
“We also seek support, input, and constructive suggestions to work together in ensuring the welfare of Papua’s communities, in line with the constitution’s mandate,” she concluded.
