JAYAPURA - Papua Governor Lukas Enembe admitted that he previously proposed the division of Papua into seven provinces according to the number of customary territories.

This was conveyed by Governor Enembe in response to the discourse on the formation of a New Autonomous Region (DOB) by the central government, at the Regional Working Meeting (Rakerda) of the Governor and Regent/Mayor, at the Suni Abepura Hotel, Jayapura City on Wednesday (15/6/2022)

He admitted, the proposal to expand Papua into 7 provinces according to the number of existing territories was actually submitted by him in 2012.

But it did not get the approval of the central government, the central government was unilaterally willing to form two to three new provinces. 

“So, regarding the new autonomous regions, seven provinces must be formed. There are no three or two provinces, there must be seven," he said.

Enembe also reminded regents and mayors not to push for provincial expansion without coordinating with him.

"Because Papua cannot be carried randomly. In this country there are Papuans. So let's discuss this together," he concluded.

Previously, the implementation of the 2022 Governor and Regent/Mayor Regional Meeting was opened by Governor Enembe.

Governor Lukas Enembe in his direction also asked regional heads in all districts and cities to work together to build their regions, as well as leave a "legacy" of development that can be imitated by the next generation.

"Before I go down, there is something I want to leave behind, both deeds (development policies) and words that can be left behind and imitated by future generations," explained Lukas. ***