The inclusion of indigenous community in the preparation of Manokwari regency’s spatial plans is not yet optimal. In general, community involvement is a mere formality. Only chiefs or traditional leaders are included, while the right stakeholders are not involved in the planning, space utilization, and control of space utilization. This was mentioned by the vice regent of Manokwari, Roberth K.R Hammar, S.H, M.H, in an open examination to earn his doctorate degree at the UGM Faculty of Law on Thursday (16/6).
Roberth Hammar said the regional spatial plan of Manokwari regency has not accommodated the principles of spatial planning, either in the format, namely the division of the indigenous community’s territory, as well as the principles existing in the regional law of spatial regulation. This has implications on the confusion of spatial planning and conflicts about space between indigenous community with local and central governments. "Indeed, the government was able to invite traditional leaders in the cities; however they cannot gather indigenous community who live in the more remote areas. In fact, they are often not involved in spatial planning and management," said Hammar.
With regard to the existence of the customary right of the indigenous community, continuous dialogue has to be established between the central, provincial, and district government as well as the indigenous community to convey the perception of customary rights. Moreover, customary rights are not recognized by the local government. "Customary right includes not only land, but the objects on it. The inventory of customary land types and state land is expected to reduce conflict in Papua and help to open investment in Papua," said the man born in Larat on August 18, 1965.
Hammar recognized that the frequent conflicts in Papua are mostly due to brawl for customary land rights and ownership. Therefore, the involvement of indigenous community to participate and assist in the preparation of spatial planning in the region is important. From the results of Hammar’s research, only 32.69 percent of indigenous community is involved in spatial planning. This shows the level of involvement of indigenous community is still very low. "Conditions in Manokwari regency and in Papua in general, involvement in the planning, utilization, and control of spatial utilization is still very low. This requires continuous communication between government and indigenous people," he added.
In Manokwari, there are still indigenous groups that inhabit a particular area and has communal land occupancy with the resources in there. But today, in the preparation of various policies, Manokwari District Government continues to comprehend and involve local wisdom owned by by indigenous community although not all of them has successfully been registered.
Having maintained his dissertation entitled Spatial Implications of the Customary Land Rights of Indigenous Community in Manokwari, West Papua; Roberth KR Hammar passed cum laude and became the 1398th doctoral graduate of UGM. His promoter is Prof. Dr. Maria S.W. Sumardjono, S.H, M.C.L., M.P.A. and co-promoter Prof. Dr. Nurhasan Ismail, SH, M. Si.