Nethy Dharma Somba, Jayapura – The controversial Morning Star flag has again created tension between the central government and Papuans, who are now at loggerheads over the province's proposed flag.
"It's like a thorn through the flesh. Papuans want it to become their provincial symbol while the government is against it. This is provoking conflict," Papuan councilor Yance Kayame said Friday.
The Papuan Tribal Council recommended in July 2007 the provincial authorities take the Free Papua Movement's flag as an official symbol of the province.
The recommendation won the support of the Papua People's Council (MRP) as has been included in the special provincial draft law, submitted to the Papuan legislative council (DPRP) for endorsement. xThe Jakarta administration has banned various practices and symbols relating to the Free Papua Movement.
"The Morning Star is the separatist movement symbol as has been indicated by the court in the past. Why do they insist on using it as official symbol?" Papuan Provincial Police chief Insp. Gen. Max Donald Aer said Friday. He suggested the government review regulations and hold a competition to establish a new provincial symbol.
In a discussion to observe the seventh anniversary of Papua's special autonomy, Yance said the province needed clearer vision for the development programs in the next 25 years. "The province has been walking without direction or common goals. We have to think about long-term targets," he said.
Yance, also chairman of Commission A on defense and information at the provincial legislative council, said many people were yet to enjoy the special autonomy because no targets had been set, despite huge funding.
"The provincial legislative council and the government should speed up the deliberation of special and provincial draft bylaws to enforce the 2001 special autonomy law and to give priorities to certain sectors, such as education, health and transportation," he said.
He also called on Jakarta to suspend the development of Papua into four new provinces, a move which has sparked strong opposition from numerous sides in the province.
"It is not difficult to govern Papua's small population of 2.4 million. The most important thing is that government and security authorities create a positive climate in the province so people can live peacefully and that the development program be carried out smoothly," he said.