THE DYNAMICS OF LOCAL GOVERNANCE: THE ROLE OF THE PAPUAN PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY IN GUARDING THE POLITICAL RIGHS OF INDIGENOUS PAPUANS

• Sofian Amir

  Lecturer

  Author

The expansion of the New Autonomous Region (DOB) in Papua introduces fresh dynamics to Indonesia's asymmetrical regional governance. This study comprehensively analyzes the role, institutional position, and strategies of the Southwest Papua People’s Assembly (MRP PBD) in safeguarding the political rights of Papuan Indigenous People (OAP) amidst political marginalization caused by clashes between national procedural law and cultural affirmation rights in plural urban areas. Utilizing a qualitative descriptive-analytical case study design, data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 15 purposively selected informants and documentation studies. Data validity was verified via source and technical triangulation, while analysis followed the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña. The results reveal that MRP PBD remains structurally marginalized as a mere "rubber stamp" institution due to weak institutional bargaining power against dominant national political parties and KPU regulations that override customary recommendations. Facing regulatory vacuums and demographic pressures, MRP PBD employs a network governance strategy through vertical lobbying to central ministries and the mobilization of local civil-indigenous alliances. In conclusion, OAP political rights protection remains suboptimal without an independent legal veto for cultural institutions. Consequently, this study proposes the concept of "Culture-Based Negotiable Democracy" to strengthen special autonomy.

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