MRP: Majority of Native Papuans Don't Have e-KTP Yet

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chairman of the Papuan People's Assembly (MRP) Timothy Murib said the majority of Papuans do not have an electronic identity card or e-KTP yet, while the document is required to cast a vote in general elections. 

Timothy made the statement during an audience with the General Elections Commission (KPU) officials at the KPU office, Jakarta, on Tuesday, August 2, 2022.

“The majority of native Papuans do not have an e-KTP yet, so the assertiveness of the government, especially the KPU, is necessary for legal certainty. The KPU must provide guarantees so that our people at the grassroots are given voting rights,” he said on Tuesday.

In response, KPU chairman Hasyim Asy'ari confirmed that he would assist in the e-KTP recording process, starting from the data management to the population administration process in order to ensure that each person gets an e-KTP and identification number or NIK which will become the capital for voters.

“We will coordinate with the government so that population administration matters can be fulfilled,” he remarked.

Nevertheless, Hasyim asked the Papuan community assisted by the MRP to be proactive in visiting the local Dukcapil (civil registration) offices to record their data for e-KTP.

“We also ask the MRP to submit the list of members or indigenous Papuans to the KPU. It doesn't have to be the central KPU, because it has a regional working unit at the regency/city, just prepare it (the list) and submit it to the regency and city KPU, and then we'll synchronize it with the existing data,” Hasyim informed.

DEWI NURITA

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