Nabire – The Central Papua Provincial Government is expediting the data collection process of Indigenous Papuans (OAP) as a strategic move to support development programs based on accurate demographic data.
This initiative is being carried out in response to the need for valid population records to ensure equitable access to public services, particularly for native Papuan communities.
The Head of the Department of Population and Civil Registration of Central Papua, in a statement on Friday (August 2), explained that the data collection is being prioritized in areas that have previously lacked sufficient administrative services.
“Documenting OAP is a key priority, as it serves as the foundation for implementing affirmative policies in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment,” he said.
The process involves cross-sectoral collaboration, including district officials, village authorities, and local community leaders. Field teams have been deployed to carry out direct data collection and verify civil documents on-site.
Why is this step urgent? The government recognizes that without reliable data, special programs intended for Indigenous Papuans risk missing their intended targets. Therefore, the acceleration of this effort is essential to integrate the data into the province’s population information system as soon as possible.
The data collection is expected to be completed within the coming months and will serve as a key reference for future policymaking in Central Papua.
