By: Sabby Kosay) *
The enthusiasm of the people of Papua to welcome the arrival of President Jokowi looks so great. In fact, some are willing to come to the airport early in the morning to see firsthand the figure of the head of state.
President Jokowi’s first working visit to Bumi Cendrawasih was not separated by the enthusiasm of residents there in welcoming his arrival. Especially when he arrived in the mountainous area of Arfak, Papua on October 27, 2019. Thousands of people reportedly packed the visiting area. They claimed to be touched and happy, the head of state visited the area where they lived. In fact, President Jokowi was allegedly a RI 1 person who came to the place.
The high enthusiasm of Papuans when welcoming President Jokowi is reflected in the reception of local residents there. Many of them were children who greeted President Jokowi as proof that the former Jakarta governor was so well-liked by many people. With his trademark style, President Jokowi will begin his work agenda by visiting a number of regions in Papua, including the Wamena region.
His arrival this time was to emphasize his commitment to building infrastructure in the Arfak Mountains. Aside from being in the form of roads, an airport development plan and a number of other public facilities were also conveyed. The President considered, if the airport has a crucial role. So that local residents can be more developed and developing again.
With regard to this mega project, the President asked for up to two years to complete the construction of airports in the region. With this facility, the community is expected to be anywhere and anytime, without further constraints. The former mayor of Solo also mentioned that the Regent requested infrastructure related to hospitals, markets, health centers and others, which he would realize, while still asking for deadlines.
President Jokowi’s journey, after the Irai soccer field, then headed to the Irai Market for surveillance purposes. His arrival along with the first lady was welcomed by the residents and traders in the Market. President Jokowi and Mrs. Iriana also toured the market to see various agricultural commodities being traded while interacting with traders.
The President’s entourage also participated in several related officials, namely TNI Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, Plt. National Police Chief Komjen Ari Dono, in addition, West Papua Governor Dominggus Mandacan and Arfak Yosias Saroy Mountain Regent were also present. According to a number of reports, President Joko Widodo will immediately follow up on proposals related to the expansion of the region in the Central Mountains, Papua Province.
This was conveyed by the President when he had a dialogue with representatives of community leaders, traditional leaders and Papuan religious leaders in the Wamena region, Jayawijaya Regency. In the discussion, he explained that in fact the matter of the expansion of the region was under a moratorium. Because, this is influenced by the many proposals that come both cities or provinces submitted to him
However, President Jokowi revealed specifically for the Central Mountains region, Papua, he would immediately follow up on the proposed regional expansion. The President added, this would be homework for him after his return from Papua. This statement was welcomed by local residents with applause at the place of the dialogue.
During this meeting it was reported, President Jokowi was accompanied by ministers in his new cabinet, including the Minister of the Interior namely, Tito Karnavian, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Deputy Minister of PUPR Wempi Wetipo, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, TNI Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto.
While in the Wamena area, President Jokowi specifically took the time to inspect a number of locations that were previously affected by riots. One of them is in Wouma Market, which is said to be the center of the local people’s economic activity which is being burnt down by the perpetrators of riots. However, the President promised to immediately carry out renovations so that the economic stretch back in place. The completion target is expected to be completed over the next two weeks.
From the Wouma market, the President and his entourage also inspected various other locations affected by mass rage, such as the regent’s building and other public facilities. He again committed to immediately complete the repair and construction of supporting facilities needed by residents. In the series of the President’s visit to Papua, Jokowi wanted to show that Papua was one of the priorities of the government.
The people’s enthusiasm for the arrival of RI number 1 was widely recognized by a number of parties. In fact, the response from the relevant officials and also elements of the surrounding community showed that the work visit this time was expected by the residents of Bumi Cendrawasih. Namely, the connection with the distribution of people’s welfare through the development of adequate infrastructure there. In addition, this proves that our president, Jokowi, is liked and loved by many people.
) * The writer is a student from Papua, living in Yogyakarta