Indigenous peoples of Papua in Merauke declared their aspiration as during living together with non – Papuans in Samkai sub- district for almost 34 years, there is no significant improvement in their lives (Jubi)
Merauke , 15/3 ( Jubi ) – Seven Imbuti – Marind clans in Merauke demanded the local government to cancel the establishment of the sub-district of Samkai and reinstate both Imbuti and Yobar villages.
The proposal was declared by two men accompanied by seven Marind – Imbuiti clans and witnessed by tabloidjubi.com on Saturday (15/3).
The clans said there had been no significant improvements to their lives during 34 years of living with non–Papuans in Samkai subdistrict.
The Marind- Imbuiti people are still living in poverty, the said.
“Therefore, we urge the governor of Papua Lukas Enembe and Merauke Regent Romanus Mbaraka to remove the sub-district of Samkai out from indigenous territory and to immediately reestablish the two villages,” Farida Gebze said.
“In fact, it is even worse that we have been forced to compete with the migrants who apparently have different levels of skills and lifestyles. Our cultures and languages are facing gradual extinction as the young generation have been influenced by outsiders,” she said.
Burhanuddin Zein, a lecturer at the Musamus University, also urged local government to immediately approve the proposal of the clans, saying the Imbuti people are the owners of the land.
“I’ve conducted a dialogue with the seven clans and we will continue to fight. We are determined to have two villages reestablished within this year,” Burhanuddin said. ( Jubi / Frans L Kobun/ Tina )
