JAYAPURA — In response to growing public aspirations regarding calls to replace the Acting Governor of Papua, it is essential to clarify that the appointment and dismissal of an Acting Governor fall entirely under the authority of the Central Government, as stipulated in Government Regulation No. 6 of 2025, with its technical implementation governed by Ministry of Home Affairs Regulation No. 4 of 2023. (April 26, 2025). 

According to the regulation, the appointment of an Acting Governor is the prerogative of the President through the Minister of Home Affairs, with a maximum term of one year and a possible one-year extension based on evaluation and specific considerations by the Ministry. Therefore, the evaluation process and decisions regarding the continuation of the Acting Governor’s term follow formal mechanisms and are not influenced by pressure or demands from specific groups. 

To clarify his administrative status, it should be noted that the current Acting Governor of Papua is a high-ranking Echelon I official at the National Border Management Agency (BNPP-RI), holding the definitive position of Deputy for Border Infrastructure Management. This confirms that his assignment as Acting Governor of Papua complies with the prevailing laws and regulations. 

Currently, the Acting Governor, in coordination with all Regional Work Units, remains focused on executing government functions, regional development, public service delivery, and fully supporting the implementation of the 2025 Papua Gubernatorial Election Re-vote, especially in fulfilling funding obligations mandated by the Constitutional Court's decision. This support is crucial, given the limited fiscal space, and demonstrates a commitment to upholding the quality of democracy in Papua Province. 

Additionally, the Acting Governor consistently advocates for the resolution of civil servant management issues in Papua Province, following up on Regional Regulation No. 18 of 2023 regarding the Formation and Structure of Regional Apparatus. This effort is conducted in collaboration with the Regional Government, National Civil Service Agency, Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform to fill numerous Acting positions within the SKPD. 

In practice, the Acting Governor remains attentive to ASN welfare by ensuring timely salary payments, fulfilling other entitlements, and selectively providing Employee Performance Allowances according to the region’s financial capacity. This is crucial as civil servants are considered strategic assets and the driving force behind government operations. 

The Acting Governor also firmly instructs all civil servants to maintain neutrality during every phase of the regional elections and PSU, and to execute their duties with high professionalism and loyalty to the state. 

To enhance public welfare in Papua, the Acting Governor, through the relevant Regional Work Units, ensures that all provincial development programs align with national and local (district/city) initiatives to sustain and manage macro-development indicators. 

In this context, the government invites all elements of Papua’s society to work together in maintaining government stability, supporting the continuity of development, and upholding existing laws and regulations. ***