By: Martha Korowai
Papua development has become one of the important agendas in President Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi) leadership since he took office in 2014. Under the leadership of the seventh President of the Republic of Indonesia, Papua is not only seen as a region that requires special attention, but also as an integral part of Indonesia that requires equitable development. This effort focuses on improving welfare, economic independence, and access to infrastructure in the region nicknamed the Little Heaven at the tip of Indonesia.
During President Jokowi’s leadership, Indonesia’s development policy shifted from a Java-centric approach to an Indonesia-centric one. Papua’s development became a priority to reduce inequality between regions.
This can be seen from various infrastructure projects that have been implemented, such as the construction of the Trans Papua road, airports, and the development of ports that facilitate connectivity between regions in Papua. This accessibility is the key to driving economic progress in Bumi Cenderawasih and integrating it with national growth.
Vice President Ma’ruf Amin stated that development efforts in Papua have become one of the government’s top priorities. The commitment to realizing prosperity and independence in the region is in line with the Indonesia-centric principle promoted by President Jokowi.
Development in Papua, according to the Vice President, is not only about building physical infrastructure, but also includes holistic social, economic, and cultural development. Empowering local communities and improving the quality of human resources are equally important focuses. Through this strategy, it is hoped that the region nicknamed the Golden City can grow into an independent and prosperous region.
The government, through cross-sector coordination, also prioritizes integrated planning in implementing development in Papua. Minister of National Development Planning, Suharso Monoarfa, explained that the government is collaborating with various parties, ranging from ministries, institutions, regional governments, to Papuan community leaders to ensure that every aspect of development runs smoothly.
This planning prioritizes good financial management, so that development in the region nicknamed the Little Heaven in Eastern Indonesia can run sustainably and have a real impact on the community.
One of the tangible results of development in Papua is the improvement of infrastructure that directly drives the local economy. The airports built and expanded in Papua not only open access for logistics, but also increase tourism potential that has not been fully explored.
Papua, with all its natural wealth, has great potential as a world-class tourist destination. Therefore, air transportation access is a crucial first step to introduce Bumi Cenderawasih to the international world. On the other hand, land routes, especially with the presence of the Trans Papua road, facilitate mobility between regions and facilitate the distribution of goods and services.
In addition, the agriculture and fisheries sectors also receive more attention from the government. The budget allocation for agricultural development in Papua is proof that the government sees the great potential of the region in supporting national food security.
Sulaeman L. Hamzah, a member of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, emphasized that development in Papua, especially in the agricultural sector, has been a priority for the past 10 years. Various programs to increase the productivity of local farmers have been implemented to empower local communities.
The government is also encouraging increased fisheries production in coastal areas, considering that Papua has abundant marine resources. More efficient management of marine products is expected to boost the economy of coastal communities and strengthen local economic resilience.
Not only infrastructure and economic sectors, the government also continues to strive to improve the quality of human resources in Papua through the education sector. The construction of schools and educational facilities in the region is expected to answer the challenge of low access to education in remote areas.
Educational scholarships for outstanding Papuan students are one of the flagship programs launched during President Jokowi’s leadership era. Through this program, Papuan children have the opportunity to continue their education to universities in various cities in Indonesia, even abroad. It is hoped that these graduates will be able to return and contribute to advancing the region nicknamed the Little Heaven that Fell to Earth.
The central government also cannot be separated from cooperation with local governments to ensure that development programs run according to the needs of local communities. The approach used is not only top-down, but also bottom-up, where the aspirations of the Papuan people are used as the main basis for planning development.
With this approach, it is hoped that the Papuan people will feel ownership of the development process and participate in managing local resources in order to achieve economic independence.
With all the achievements and programs that continue to run until now, the development of Papua under the leadership of President Jokowi is a real example of the government’s commitment to creating prosperity and independence for all Indonesian people, without exception. Papua, as a region rich in natural resources and culture, is now looking towards a brighter future, with a foundation for development that continues to be strengthened from year to year.
*) Indigenous Community Empowerment Consultant – Papua People’s Development Institute
