Papuan Traditional Leaders Unite in Support of Government in Maintaining Security and Accelerating Development
Sarmi – Tribal chiefs and traditional leaders across Papua have expressed their full support for the government’s efforts to maintain security and accelerate development that promotes community welfare.
This support reflects a shared commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring that every development program is effectively implemented, down to the village level.
The Head of the West Coast District Tribal Council, Alexander Sunuk, invited the Isirawa indigenous community to play an active role in implementing government programs. He emphasized that development can only be successful if all levels of society participate.
“Every development project will run smoothly if the entire community provides support and plays an active role in every development process,” he said during a government program socialization in Wari Village, West Coast District, Sarmi Regency (November 1, 2025).
Sunuk also encouraged the community to support food security programs and other government initiatives. He stated that community involvement is a concrete manifestation of shared responsibility in achieving prosperity.
Similar support was expressed by the Chief of the Aikai Tribe, Pit Pigai, who appreciated President Prabowo Subianto’s attention to the people of Central Papua.
According to him, the assistance in constructing meeting facilities in the Aikai region demonstrates the government’s concern for the role of traditional leaders.
“This support demonstrates the government’s attention and concern for the role of traditional leaders and the Papuan people,” he said.
Rev. Yohanis Magai, Chief of the Damal Tribe, expressed similar sentiments, viewing the central government’s attention as concrete evidence of its commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous Papua.
“The President’s assistance and attention are a concrete manifestation of the government’s concern for our people in Papua,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Papua, Mathius D. Fakhiri, emphasized that the participation of traditional communities is key to successful development. He said the regional government continues to strengthen synergy with traditional leaders to ensure that every program is on target.
“The government cannot act alone. We need the involvement of all parties so that every program brings positive change and is felt by the people at the grassroots level,” Fakhiri emphasized.
The consistent support of tribal chiefs and traditional leaders demonstrates that security and development in Papua are a shared responsibility. Collaboration between the government and indigenous communities is a crucial foundation for realizing a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous Papua.
