The Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) ensures that the administration of Papua government will continue, despite its official current leader, Lukas Enembe, was arrested by Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for the purposes of investigation. The government will be administered by Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Papua Province.
The assignment of Papua Province Papua as the Executor of Governor Daily Task was issued in a letter No. 100.3.2.6/184/SJ by the Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) Muhammad Tito Karnavian on Wednesday (1/11). This step is taken to ensure there is no vacuum of power in Papua Government, and ensure that the government, development, and public service would still continue.
Head of Information Center (Kapuspen) of Kemendagri Benni Irwan explained that on Articel 65 paragraph (3) and paragraph (5) of Law Number 23 of 2014 have firmly stated that regional leader whose serving a prison term is prohibited in carrying out their duties and authorities. If the said leader did not have its deputy head, then Sekda will be the one who will carry out the daily tasks of the regional head that is not related to strategic fields such as financial, institution, personnel, permit, and others.
“Currently Governor Lukas Enembe is offically a suspect and have been arrested, to ensure its government, Sekda Papua will be the one who will carry out the daily tasks of Papua Governor as stated by the law. This step was taken due to the vacancy Deputy Governor of Papua,” said Benni in his official statement, Jakarta, Wednesday (1/11).
Benni then adds that if LE’s legal status escalates, then he will be temporary dismissed, and there will be an assigned temporary governor, as stated in Article 86 paragraph (2) Law Number 23 of 2014.