Jakarta – The Mimika regency administration has alloted funds of Rp 200 billion (US$20 million) to establish its own Central Papua province, separate from Papua province.

Mimika Legislative Council (DPRD) spokesman Yosep Yopi Kilangin said Wednesday the DPRD had approved the Rp 200 billion budget.

"We all support the creation of Central Papua with Timika as the capital city," he said as quoted by Antara news agency. "We hope we can have our own province in three years."

Mimika regent Klemen Tinal has issued a ruling on the Central Papua establishment committee, chaired by Andreas Anggaibak, former Mimika DPRD spokesman.

If approved, Central Papua will consist of 10 regencies: Mimika, Deyai, Dogiyai, Nabire, Yapen, Waropen, Biak, Numfor, Supiori, and Intan Jaya.