By: Roy Andarek*)
Infrastructure development is a crucial element in driving the economy and improving people’s welfare, especially in areas that previously had minimal access, such as Papua. Under the administration of President Joko Widodo, Papua has become the focus of attention, with various massive infrastructure projects being carried out in an integrated manner. This aims to accelerate development and improve the quality of life of people in this region rich in natural resources.
Member of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sulaeman L Hamzah, emphasized that development in Papua has been a top priority during President Jokowi’s administration for the past ten years. Sulaeman said that major steps were taken by President Jokowi to accelerate development in Papua with an integrated, precise, focused approach, and involving synergy between ministries and institutions.
This statement emphasizes how serious the government is in developing Papua. This effort is not only about creating physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, and ports, but also touches on aspects of social welfare, health, education, and the community’s economy. The presence of adequate infrastructure opens up wider access for the Papuan people, who were previously isolated from various important services.
Development in Papua is not free from challenges, one of which is security. Papua is often faced with security issues involving separatist groups that disrupt regional stability. To ensure that development runs smoothly, President Joko Widodo firmly emphasized the importance of security guards in every infrastructure project in Papua. This is expected to provide a sense of security for construction workers and the surrounding community so that development can continue without obstacles.
In addition, President Jokowi emphasized that every infrastructure development activity in the Papua region must be guarded by security forces to ensure the smooth running of the development process, especially since the region is often a point of conflict. This security is needed so that infrastructure projects can run smoothly and guarantee the safety of workers and the local community. Coordinating
Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Hadi Tjahjanto also emphasized that development in Papua will continue to improve the welfare of the community. This statement indicates how important the development of Papua is to the central government. Nothing can stop the government’s efforts to build infrastructure in Papua, even in situations full of risk. This decision also emphasizes that the government continues to prioritize the welfare of the Papuan people through sustainable and continuous development.
Deputy for Domestic Coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Major General TNI Heri Wiranto added that the Indonesian Government is fully committed to accelerating infrastructure development in Papua to improve people’s welfare. He explained that this step is part of an effort to equalize development throughout Indonesia, including Papua, which has often been neglected.
According to Heri Wiranto, this step to accelerate development is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable development throughout Indonesia. Papua, as a region that is geographically located at the easternmost tip of Indonesia, has often escaped the attention of the central government in the past. However, with a strong commitment from President Jokowi’s government, Papua is now an important part of comprehensive national development.
Infrastructure development in Papua is not just about building roads or bridges, but also opening the door to economic and social progress. Adequate infrastructure allows for faster and more efficient mobility of people and goods. This in turn will facilitate the distribution of basic necessities, improve access to health, education, and provide greater economic opportunities.
For example, the construction of the Trans Papua road connecting various districts in the Papua region has accelerated logistics distribution, so that previously very high prices of goods can now be reduced. Not only that, the construction of airports and ports also facilitates access for local Papuan products to enter and exit national and international markets, which directly improves the local economy.
Infrastructure development also opens up opportunities for the tourism sector, where the stunning natural beauty of Papua is increasingly easily accessible to tourists. This is expected to create new jobs for local people, especially in the service and tourism sectors.
With various infrastructure development efforts that have been made, Papua is now on the right track to achieve greater progress. Full support from the central government and the commitment to continue developing Papua provide new hope for the local community. Infrastructure development that is integrated with social welfare is expected to overcome the inequality that has been felt by the Papuan people.
However, of course, the journey to true prosperity is still long. Cooperation is needed between the central government, local governments, and the Papuan people themselves to maintain and utilize the infrastructure that has been built properly. Thus, Papua will not only become a physically advanced region, but also prosperous in all aspects of its life.
*) Papuan students live in Jakarta
