Support for the sustainability of the implementation of Special Autonomy (Otsus) for Papua continues to be voiced by various elements of society in Papua. This is in contrast to the voices of several small groups voicing narratives of rejecting Otsus, including several religious leaders in Papua.
When asked for their opinion on why there were religious leaders who openly rejected the implementation of Otsus, the former Chair of the GKI Synod in Tanah Papua, Pastor Albert Yoku, S.Th, stated that there may be a factor of ignorance of those who reject Otsus. "The factor of ignorance (about the implementation of Otsus) can lead to the birth of the statement in question. Thus, the validity and truth (which underlies the narrative of rejection of Otsus) cannot yet be accepted and become the basis for the church rejecting Otsus. " he said.
Pastor Albert is of the view that the church must take an important role in implementing Otsus, as well as in evaluating Otsus. According to Albert, the church has been involved in the implementation of Otsus in which the church has also recommended members of the Papuan People's Assembly (MRP) religious representatives mandated by the Special Autonomy Law and Perdasus 4 of 2008 who are given the authority to protect the rights of indigenous Papuans.
As a church leader, said Albert, the church must think solution oriented. "The church must also see Otsus as a special blessing from God for indigenous Papuans to be managed and utilized according to the objectives of Otsus." he said.
As a former head of the GKI Synod in Tanah Papua which has the largest congregation in Papua, Pastor Albert Yoku sees Otsus as having made a positive contribution to the church and congregation members in Papua. Among these are the creation of employment opportunities for indigenous Papuans and the increasing number of public officials who are indigenous Papuans who in fact are members of the church.
In addition, there has also been an increase in the acceptance of offerings and tithes, as well as the construction of physical facilities and infrastructure such as churches, church servants' houses and access to churches. "So as a former head of the Synod, I admit how positive Otsus is. I always have the principle that the implementation of Otsus which is well done, focused and well-directed will be able to reduce various forms of political upheaval and conflict in the land of Papua, ”he said.
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