*) By: Soraya Amelia
During the 10 years of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) leadership, development in Papua has been accelerated with various programs and projects aimed at improving the welfare of the local community. The steps taken by President Jokowi cover various sectors, from infrastructure, education, health, to the economy.
One of the main focuses of development in Papua is infrastructure. President Jokowi realizes that accessibility is the key to connecting remote areas in Papua with economic centers. Therefore, the construction of the Trans Papua highway is a priority. This project covers thousands of kilometers of roads connecting various cities and districts in Papua. With this road, the mobility of goods and people becomes easier, thereby encouraging local economic growth.
Head of Perum LKBN ANTARA Papua Bureau, Hendrina Dian Kandipi, said that during President Jokowi’s era, there was development everywhere, office complexes were built, road access was improved, ring roads were built and government services were also getting better. The current condition of Papua is much different compared to several decades ago considering that development in all sectors, including economy, culture, human resources (HR) and massive infrastructure, was carried out by the government, especially in the era of President Joko Widodo.
Apart from roads, the construction of airports and ports is also a concern. Sentani Airport in Jayapura, for example, has experienced expansion and improvement of facilities. This aims to improve air connectivity, so that the flow of tourists and logistics can run smoothly. Port construction is also carried out to support the distribution of goods to areas that are difficult to reach by land.
President Jokowi also paid special attention to the education sector in Papua. Education is an important foundation for building a better future. Therefore, various programs have been launched to improve the quality of education in Papua. One concrete step is the construction and renovation of schools in remote areas.
The health sector has also received great attention from President Jokowi. Many areas in Papua are difficult to reach with adequate health services. To overcome this problem, the construction of health facilities such as community health centers and hospitals continues to be encouraged. Apart from that, a program to send medical personnel to remote areas is also carried out to ensure that all Papuan people have access to proper health care.
Immunization programs and providing nutrition for children in Papua are also a focus. President Jokowi realizes that children’s health is an important investment for the future. Therefore, various health campaigns are carried out to increase public awareness of the importance of maintaining health and providing good nutrition for children.
Local economic development is also one of President Jokowi’s main focuses. Various programs have been launched to increase Papua’s economic potential. Agriculture, fisheries and tourism are sectors that receive special attention. For example, assistance programs for farmers and fishermen continue to be promoted so that they can increase their productivity and welfare.
Strengthening food is an important aspect of economic development in Papua. The government realizes that food independence is the key to achieving community prosperity. Therefore, various programs have been launched to increase local food production and infrastructure development with the aim of reducing dependence on imports.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK), Muhadjir Effendy, said the government’s commitment to anticipating the threat of food scarcity in Papua was realized by building a logistics warehouse under the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). This BNPB logistics warehouse was built as one of the regional strategic programs. The construction of a logistics hub also aims to reduce the risk of food scarcity disasters in the future. This food and non-food warehouse is a real result of collaboration between the central government and regional governments. To strengthen each other and synergize in development, especially human and cultural development.
The construction of a logistics hub also aims to reduce the risk of food scarcity disasters in the future. This food and non-food warehouse is a real result of collaboration between the central government and regional governments. To strengthen each other and synergize in development, especially human and cultural development.
The development that President Jokowi has accelerated in Papua shows a strong commitment to improving the welfare of the local community. By focusing on various sectors, it is hoped that Papua can develop more evenly and prosperously. Challenges still remain, but with the support of all parties, Papua can reach its maximum potential and make a greater contribution to Indonesia.
These steps that have been taken not only have a positive impact on the Papuan people, but also show that inclusive and sustainable development is the key to creating a more advanced and just Indonesia.
)* The author is a Masters student living in Jakarta
