By Otniel Tamindael Jakarta (Antara) - Indonesia's easternmost island of Papua is known to be rich in natural resources, overflowing with gold, copper, silver, and oil. Ironically, the scarcely populated regions do not seem to be on par with the rest of the country in terms of economic and social development. In reality, the people of Papua have not enjoyed the fruits of development and feel isolated from the rest of the country. Therefore, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's special aide for regional development and autonomy Velix Wanggai has said the injustice felt by the local people with regard to economic and social gaps is being exploited by the outlawed Free Papua Organisation (OPM) by inciting the fight for independence. According to him, backwardness, disappointment, and dissatisfaction of the people of Papua serve as ammunition to incite resistance against the government. He noted that the government is fully aware of the problem and has taken steps to reduce the gap and eliminate feelings of injustice. However, international law and political observer of the University of Cenderawasi (Uncen) Marinus Yaung opined that a peaceful dialogue between Papua and Jakarta is the best possible solution to the problem in Papua. "We agree that Papua-Jakarta Dialogue will help solve the problem in Papua," Marianus said in Jayapura recently. He noted that the problem in Papua is not limited to economic and social development; it is a political problem that has to be solved through a peaceful dialogue session with Jakarta. Meanwhile, a hearing between the People's Assemblies of Papua's two provinces of Papua and West Papua at the end of late July indicated that the majority of people in Papua are in favour of dialogue sessions. Therefore, Director of the Democracy Alliance for Papua (AlDP) Latifah Anum Siregar said all stakeholders in the region should support Papua People's Assembly (MRP) in recommending Papua-Jakarta dialogue immediately. "The regional administrations of Papua and West Papua, the regional legislative assemblies, and people of the two provinces should support MRP's recommendations," added Latifah Anum Siregar. Latifah explained that the dialogue is recommended since implementation of the Special Autonomy in Papua had failed. (*)


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