Training for Transformation Papua (YP3SP) as a space to heal.
Ester Linda Marleen, Lead Community Facilitator and Director of Finance
YP3SP is a healing space for me. I say this because of what I have experienced in my work as a finance consultant for the West Papuan People’s Assembly (MRPB), a government organization where I also work part-time.
Let me explain a little about the MRPB. Since 2002, Papua has enjoyed a form of Special Autonomy (OTSUS) within the Republic of Indonesia, the main aim of which is to improve the quality of life of Indigenous Papuans. MRPB is a government organization established under the Special Autonomy Law. It is an elected body the purpose of which is to serve as a cultural representative of indigenous Papuans. It has certain powers to protect the rights of indigenous Papuans based on respect for customs and culture, women’s empowerment and religious harmony.
The main task of the MRPB is to ensure that government policy protects and empowers indigenous Papuans. When policies issued by the government do not have that positive impact, the MRPB can evaluate, provide input and even refuse to endorse them.
The MRPB’s receives funds from the government for its work through the MRPB Secretariat. The amounts involved are sizable – between USD 465,000 and USD 665,000 a year. There are now 6 such institutions in place as a result of Papua’s recent subdivision into Papua, West Papua, South Papua, Central Papua, Highlands Papua and Southwest Papua Provinces.
I have worked as a financial consultant to the West Papua Province People’s Assembly (MRPB) since 2012. My job is to provide advice regarding the institution’s budget, and how funds are used and accounted for. Over that time, I have seen how funds are often used for personal gain rather than for engaging with the communities the MRPB represents. The MRPB responsibilities towards their constituents include listening to their aspirations, resolving conflict and providing advice. The success of these activities is also measured by their ability to absorb budget not their impact on indigenous Papuan communities.
I have tried to provide input on how these funds might be used to better reach grassroots communities but have never been successful. I witness the same thing happening year after year and feel increasingly guilty for being part of a struture that does not take the side of, protect and empower indigenous communities.
TFT PAPUA (YP3SP)
In 2019, I was invited to join YP3SP to manage their finances. Our work to build the organization started with a process to shape our organisational vision and mission. This was facilitated in a way that was completely new to me: each of us was asked to describe what we wanted to see in in the future. What do we want Papua to look like? Our thoughts and dreams then poured into YP3SP’s vision and mission, and I can see myself reflected in that statement.
In 2020, I was given the opportunity to facilitate a community group for the first time. My first facilitation process with the Fyarkin community group related to household and business group financial management. I still remember how nervous I was. While I had years of experience in finance, I had no experience working with a grassroots community in the village. I spent weeks developing learning modules that might be of use in people’s daily lives. I even practiced facilitating these modules on my family at home. Those were tense moments for me.
I still remember how I felt a few months later when I returned to Numfor and heard them tell me how they had since applied what I taught them to their daily lives. I felt a mixture of joy and pride in finally giving something to this land, however small. That feeling still lingers with me today.
This is my now fourth year working with YP3SP. I have learned and witnessed a lot over those four years. I have watched the Fyarkin group and become more confident in making decisions over their own lives, as individuals and as a collective. The fact that they wholeheartedly believe in the end result of their efforts, and in their ability to change their lives, is like the spark that lights a fire.