Merauke, Jubi – Merauke Regent Romanus Mbaraka said Papuans should be empowered, and not rely on handouts.
Papuans should be judged for their ability and not hide behind affirmative action, Mbaraka said.
“I warn you to not shout me that you are Papuan in order to be pitied. Is it only a person who have curly hair and black skin identified as Papuans? In America there are black people too. However, they have extraordinary abilities,” he said to reporters on Wednesday (11/02/2015).
During the four years leading Merauke, he admitted there were some Marind children asked for position but unable to present the programs. “That’s because of lack of capabilities,” he said.
However, it continues to provide encouragement or motivation to indigenous Papuan children so they are able to get an education to the level of higher education for a job and family life changing.
“I came from low class background. My father was a crocodile hunter who took its leather at a sale and he was able to send me to Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB),” he said.
Nowadays parental dependence on the government is very high. When their children will continue studies, they would seek government assistance. It is different to other regions where the parents pay their children’ education until finished.
Separately, chairman of Merauke Legislative Council, Kanizia Mekiuw admitted if the attention of the government to encourage indigenous Papuans is very high. “We can see that every year, there must be a study funds aid given by government to Papuans,” he said. (Frans L Kobun/ Tina)
