Gerimis Nominates Native Figure Of Papua For Ministerial Post

Jakarta, Aug 11 (Antara) - The Optimistic Papua Movement (GERIMIS) has proposed the name of a native figure of Papua to become a minister in the next cabinet. "We propose the native figure of Papua as the minister in the cabinet," Gerimis Coordinator Jimmy Demianus Ijie stated here on Monday. According to Jimmy, who is still the deputy chairman of the House Representatives in West Papua, selecting the Papuan native as a minister is akin to the commitment made by the Jokowi-JK pair for developing Papua. Therefore, the young people of Papua were given the opportunity to take part in the cabinet. Jimmy remarked that Papua will eventually play an important role in national development. But, Papua still faced the problem of inequality in development as compared to the other regions. He noted that rapid development has taken place in Papua in the recent years in line with the regional expansion. But, empowerment was not optimal. In Papua, there were many regions that still lagged behind and are isolated from the outside world. In the future, community empowerment and infrastructure development should be prioritized by the government. "Papua needs special attention from the government in order to develop and accelerate infrastructure. However, the accelerated development of the region needs to be coupled with the empowerment of indigenous Papuans," he affirmed. He explained that development should be achieved in conjunction with the creation of public welfare. "To maintain a balance between the acceleration of physical development and the empowerment of the Papua people, the younger Papuan generation should understand the mystical atmosphere of the local communities and the acceleration of infrastructure construction," he asserted. Jimmy pointed out that he has completely handed over the reins of selecting an appropriate candidate from the younger generation of Papua to the president elect. "The figures should have the guts and a strong commitment to implement policies and manage professionals in developing Papua," he emphasized. He noted that if a native Papuan is given the authority and trust, then the figure will be able to develop Papua. Jimmy added that Natalis Pigay, who is the member of the Human Rights Commission National, as a native son of Papua, is suitable to be a minister in the next cabinet. Jimmy, who is a leader of the West Papua Provinces, is ready to devote his energy and thoughts for the development of Papua. In the period between 2004 and 2009, Jimmy became the chairman of the House Representatives in West Papua and then the deputy chairman of the House Representatives during the period between 2009 and 2014. Jimmy is a legislative elect from the PDI-P. He is the first West Papuan native who has become a member of the House Representatives. On July 9, Jimmy who was part of the Jokowi-JK pair`s success team in West Papua garnered a 70 percent victory.