Well, actually there are many unique things from this program. For now, let me begin with the women’s role.
BANGGA Papua provides funds for indigenous Papuan parents to improve the health and nutrition of their children, especially for children under four years old. The funds are not given in cash, like other programs in Papua, but are transferred to a bank account. Only mother or child trustee is entitled to open a bank account and receive the funds.
This is a new thing for indigenous Papuans. The usual practices of other programs are given funds to father/husband or through village head, and in cash.
In BANGGA Papua, mothers are considered to play an important role at home, including ensuring their children grow up healthy. As Elisa Kambu, Asmat Head District, said “Human resource improvement is started at home. Mothers play a more important role at home. Mothers know the needs of their children.”
BANGGA Papua is putting women in the same position as men. This is not an easy thing to do in a community that has strong patriarchal culture. When BANGGA Papua requires that funds to be given to children through mothers, this requirement affirms that mothers and child-care responsibilities are important roles that are recognized by the government.
Surely this condition triggers challenges here and there. To overcome this challenge, program implementers worked closely with people who are most trusted by the community such as religious leaders, community leaders and health cadres. Up to now, BANGGA Papua has successfully managed to make payments to beneficiaries three times.
Imagine the complexity of opening a bank account for Papuan women living in remote areas? Interesting, eh? I will share about it later.
*BANGGA Papua is a social protection program initiated by the Papua Government. This is an effort by the government to use the Special Autonomy fund (Dana Otsus) more effectively.
BANGGA Papua is a social protection program initiated by the Papua Government. This is an effort by the government to use the Special Autonomy fund (Dana Otsus) more effectively. The government is building a better generation of indigenous Papuan
