By: Abigail Kogaya )*
President Prabowo Subianto has placed Papua as one of the main focuses in Indonesia’s development agenda. This commitment is not just a political promise, but part of the government’s grand vision to strengthen the country’s frontier regions, with Papua as a priority. This step aims to create equitable development and prosperity throughout Indonesia, especially in areas that have been left behind. In the new government, President Prabowo promises to bring progress to Papua through infrastructure development, improving social services, and encouraging inclusive and sustainable economic progress.
Minister of Transmigration, Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanegara, said that President Prabowo has a special concern for Eastern Indonesia, especially Papua. The President wants the Ministry of Transmigration to focus on development that can accelerate economic growth in the region. By revitalizing and optimizing unused land, the Ministry of Transmigration is expected to be able to help equalize the economy through a transmigration program aimed at maximizing the potential of the Papua region. Recording Land Management Rights (HPL) is also a priority, where Iftitah stated her commitment to resolving land rights issues for transmigrants who still do not have certainty of ownership.
On the other hand, the Presidential Staff Office of the Republic of Indonesia (KSP) stated that the Red and White Cabinet is strongly committed to advancing the Eastern Indonesia region. This is real evidence of the special attention given by the government to Papua and other eastern regions. According to the KSP’s Main Expert, Theofransus Litaay, this attention is a breath of fresh air for Papua and other provinces that are categorized as underdeveloped regions, and is expected to provide a strong impetus for the progress of the region. President Prabowo even placed several figures from Eastern Indonesia in his cabinet as a form of affirmation of the commitment to development in the region. This appointment shows the government’s seriousness in strengthening coordination and policies that will accelerate progress in Papua and Eastern Indonesia in general.
President Prabowo is also committed to continuing development programs that have been started in the era of President Joko Widodo, so that the continuity of development is maintained. Through this step, it is hoped that all ongoing projects can be completed quickly and bring direct benefits to the people of Papua. Adequate infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, airports, and ports, will further strengthen connectivity in Papua and encourage more equitable economic development.
As part of the effort to develop Papua, President Prabowo also pays attention to the education and health sectors. His government will expand access to education, provide quality educators, and ensure adequate educational facilities in remote areas. In the health sector, access to affordable and quality health services is a priority. The government plans to add health facilities, increase the number of medical personnel, and ensure the availability of adequate medicines and medical equipment for the Papuan people. These steps reflect President Prabowo’s desire to provide equal opportunities for all Indonesian citizens, including in remote areas such as Papua.
The government is also committed to improving the economic welfare of the Papuan people through the development of economic sectors that are in accordance with the potential of the region. With abundant natural resources, Papua has great potential in the agriculture, fisheries, and tourism sectors. President Prabowo’s government wants to ensure that the results of economic development can be enjoyed by the local community, by providing opportunities for them to be directly involved in the development process. This effort is made to prevent the exploitation of Papua’s natural resources that only benefit outside parties, without providing benefits to the local community.
In addition, as a very strategic region, President Prabowo sees the importance of making Papua a region that is able to defend Indonesia’s sovereignty. Through comprehensive development, President Prabowo hopes that Papua will not only become more advanced economically and socially, but also be able to become a strong fortress of national defense in the eastern region. The government will ensure that the infrastructure built in Papua is able to support defense and security needs, so that stability in this region can be maintained properly.
In implementing the grand vision for Papua, President Prabowo does not only rely on the central government, but also cooperates with local governments and local communities. This approach aims to involve all elements of Papuan society in the development process, so that they feel part of the progress achieved. President Prabowo believes that comprehensive development that involves local communities will have a long-term positive impact on Papua and Indonesia as a whole.
With clear and targeted steps, President Prabowo has given new hope to Papua to become a more prosperous and advanced region. Full support from the central government, coupled with the active involvement of the local community, is expected to bring significant changes to Papua in the near future.
Through the strong attention and commitment of President Prabowo, Papua is expected to develop into a region that is on par with other provinces in Indonesia, both in terms of economy, education, health, and security. The comprehensive development of Papua shows President Prabowo’s determination to treat Papua as an integral part of Indonesia, without distinction and discrimination, and to be a manifestation of the ideals of building a more just and prosperous Indonesia.
)* Papuan students live in Jakarta