Clouds Hanging Over Papua Governor Election

Politic Headlines

Sunday, 22 January 2012 15:53

Written by Haryanto Suharman

Indonesia Today - Clouds are hanging over election of governor and vice governor of Papua following conflicts between Papua Election Commission (KPUD Papua) and the Papuan People Council (MRP).

Benny Sweny, KPUD Papua chairman, said it is not entirely clear whether KPUD will organizing the election through direct election system as planed before. Benny also said that KPUD Papua will be waiting for special regional regulation (Perdasus) of Papua governor election as a legal basis to organize the election.

“We’re still waiting for Perdasus, and I hope its consultation with internal affairs minister will immediately be settled,” Benny is quoted by Bintang Papua.

Timotius Murib, MRP chairman, meanwhile, said that his side agree with internal affairs minister’s proposal to return the election to the House of Regional Representatives (DPRD) by revising the Law No 32/2004 about The Regional Government.

Timotius shared the views of internal affairs minister that revision of Law No 32/2004 will not only reducing the high cost of direct election, but could tame escalation of political conflicts in Papua.

“It’s better if the internal affairs ministry can immediately revise Law No 32/2004, in order to minimize conflicts in Papua elections,” said Timotius as quoted by Bintang Papua.

Timotius also pointed to negative impacts of direct election as had happened in the elections of West Papua province, Puncak Jaya regency, Illaga regency, etc.

The term of Barnabas Suebu and Alex Hesegem as governor and vice governor of Papua has actually ended since July 25, 2011. But, conflicts in the province have pushed back the election. The central government via Home Affairs minister, later appointed Syamsul Arief Rifai as acting governor of Papua.

There are seven pair candidates of governor and vice governor ready to enter the race. They are:

1. The incumbent pair candidate Barnabas Suebu-John Tabo, with support from coalition of five political parties led by Gerindra Party;

2. Alex Hesegem-Komarudin Watubun, supported by coalition of thirteen political parties led by PDI-P,

3. Lukas Enembe-Klemen Tinal, supported by coalition of ten political parties led by Demokrat Party,

4. Habel Melkias Suwae-Yop Kogoya, supported by coalition of thirteen political parties led by Golkar Party,

5. Manase Robert Kambu-Belasius Pakage, supported by coalition of ten political parties led by PAN,

6. Welington Wenda-Waynand Watory pair, an independent pair.

7. Noakh Nawipa-Yohanes Wob pair, an independent pair. (haryanto@theindonesiatoday.com)

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