Papuans demand restriction of migrants

The Jakarta Post [web site] November 13, 2009

Papuans demand restriction of migrants

by Nethy Darma Somba

Jayapura, Papua

People migrating to Papua have impacted upon the Papuans’ employment opportunities, thus necessitating further travel restrictions, a seminar hears.

Indigenous community representative Josias Serontouw told an international biodiversity conference in Jayapura on Friday that migrants in civil servant positions in the province outnumbered their native counterparts.

“Migration to Papua must be restricted as migrants are taking jobs from Papuans,” Josias said. “With more unemployed Papuans, trouble may arise.”

He called on the provincial legislative council to pass an ordinance curbing migration. He also called on another bylaw prioritizing to indigenous people in the civil servant recruitment test.

Papua has a population of more than 2 million, with migrant and indigenous numbers roughly the same. Migrants also prevail in the economic sector while many Papuans, particularly those living in remote villages, live below the poverty line.

Agus Sumule, adviser to the governor, said present restrictions had already taken effect.

According to a provincial ordinance, migrants who fail to find jobs after staying in Papua for six months will have to leave the province. The provincial government also issues special ID cards for migrants.

Meanwhile, Bintuni Bay regency in West Papua is drafting a bylaw to restrict migration into the gas-rich region in order to protect indigenous people. However, many say it is discriminatory toward migrants.

ENDS

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