The women traders gathered in front of DPRP’s office in Merauke on Monday (16/02/2015). (Jubi/Frans L Kobun).
Merauke, Jubi – Hundreds of Papuan women traders at Wamanggu and Mapah markets were disappointed as they failed to meet members of the Merauke Legislative Council (DPRD) and the government.
The women traders gathered in front of DPRP’s office for promised dialogue on Monday (16/02/2015), but some delegates went ahead with the meeting led by chairman of Merauke DPRD, Kanizia Mekiuw and arguments ensued between the councillors.
The chairman of Commission B, Francis Firifefa, requested that the meeting to be postponed until the related agency attended.
“I think we have to delay until tomorrow because the local government needs to be part of the meeting,” he said.
Another legislative member, Moses Kaibu actually requested that the meeting be continued, because there would be various agendas that must be executed tomorrow.
“We as representatives of the people, want to hear and know what the problem is happening as it is part of our responsibility,” he added.
Separately, chairman of the Advocacy Institute for Women in Merauke, Beatrix Gebze, on behalf of Papuan women traders expressed their disappointment by the absence of government. In fact, the letter has been sent to the legislative a while ago.
She explained that it has provided guidance for the traders since the last two years and found a lot of problems such as about the sales and prices between Papuans and non -Papuans. Other problem is the difficulty of transportation as a result they cannot come early to the market. When arriving on the market, there are many traders who have been in the location.
“This is just one or two issues that we lay out. There are still many things to be discussed and need to find the solution,” she said. (Frans L Kobun/Tina)
