Indonesia pushes for accelerated development in Papua
Development in Papua will be accelerated through synergy between the central government, regional governments, and the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Development in Papua’s Special Autonomy.
Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed his government’s commitment to accelerating development in Papua through synergy between the central government, the regional government, and the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Development in Papua.
The commitment was reaffirmed by Papua’s Governor Matius Fakhiri and the Committee Chairman, Velix Vernando Wanggai after being inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (Oct. 8).
Governor Matius expressed his gratitude for the inauguration and reiterated his determination to use this momentum as the beginning of concrete work for inclusive and equitable development in Papua.
“Let’s work together to build Papua Province, to build the Land of Papua, to be a source of pride for our beloved nation and state, Indonesia. Of course, in the future, we will take turns with all parties, without discriminating against your origin, religion, or ethnicity, but we are one: we are Papua, we are Indonesia,” the governor said.
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He also explained that Papua has a significant responsibility to serve as an example for new autonomous regions, the Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat’s website quoted the governor’s remarks on Wednesday (Oct. 8).
Therefore, the provincial government will strengthen coordination with relevant ministries and institutions to accelerate development in Papua, he said.
Matius emphasized that his administration’s top priority is developing Papua’s human resources, particularly through the education and health sectors, which are considered the main foundations of regional progress.
“We will coordinate with ministries and institutions, as well as the Committee established by the President, to accelerate development efforts,” he added.
The Chairman of the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua, Velix Vernando Wanggai, stated that President Prabowo is placing great emphasis on direct and integrated development management in Papua.
“The President has made a strong commitment to directly handle and manage Papua. Managing Papua is certainly within a comprehensive agenda, integrated with Papua’s agenda in a global context, within a national context, integrating policies across ministries, the private sector, and also consolidating at the provincial and district levels,” Velix said.
Velix added that his institution will oversee eight major agendas within the contextual Papuan ideals, encompassing political, economic, infrastructure, and governance development.
Velix explained that this new institution, with members from different backgrounds, will also manage various socio-cultural aspects, from sports and gender equality to the creative economy, for development in Papua.
“The state must be present, reaching out to our brothers and sisters on the coast, in the mountains, in the hinterland, and even in the swamps, so that everyone feels the state’s presence,” he said.
The Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua will also serve as a coordinating bridge between the central government and the six provinces in Papua, ensuring that all development programs run synergistically and have a real impact on the Papuan people.
Reporting by Indonesia Window
