Jayapura – A lack of clear regional autonomy guidelines has prevented the two-year-old Papua People's Council (MRP) from reaching its full potential, members say.

Council chairman Agus Alue Alua acknowledged the council has been less than effective.

"The council is like an institution that has been abandoned in the forest, without clear guidelines or authority. This includes a lack of clear technical guidelines that could ensure Papuans' basic rights, which is the essence of the special autonomy spirit," said Alua.

He said special autonomy funds had not reached their target since they were first disbursed in 2002, and had failed to improve the well being of Papuans.

The MRP has taken the initiative to draft six special autonomy laws that are seen as vital to protect the rights of Papuans. "It's actually the duty of the governor and legislators (to draft laws), not us. However, we have to do it to save Papuans, but we were accused of carrying out separatist activities," said Alua.

He said the council drafted the laws based on a political contract with the people.The draft laws are now with the governor and legislators.

The drafts include regulations on the protection of women's rights; division of special autonomy funds; a unified culture of indigenous Papuans; a provincial emblem and anthem; and the duty, rights and authority of the MRP.

The MRP marked its second anniversary on Oct. 31 with a religious ritual led by Papua vice bishop Neles Tebay. Organizing the event was the council's Women's Working Group.

Head organizer and chairwoman of the working group, Mien Rumbiak, said the central and provincial governments had failed to fulfill Papuans' sense of justice five years after Papua was granted special autonomy.

"Papuan leaders prefer to quarrel and are reluctant to sit for dialogue and heed people's aspirations. They are trapped in their own political interests. The people and natural resources of Papua must be protected, so every leader in the province should unite to save Papua," she said.