PAPUA – The government continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to accelerating development in Papua through various National Strategic Projects (PSN) focused on strengthening food security, opening economic access, and improving inter-regional connectivity. Various community leaders have urged the public to support these development efforts and not be easily influenced by provocative narratives deemed to hinder Papua’s progress, including through the documentary “Pesta Babi.”
The Chairman of the Eastern Indonesia Alliance, Emanuel Mikael Kota, emphasized that Papua is currently moving towards an increasingly positive development path. He stated that the Papuan people, along with the government, continue to maintain security stability and encourage progress in various strategic sectors.
“Papua is developing today. The community is maintaining peace, strengthening the local economy, improving children’s education, and supporting government development efforts. Therefore, the public must view Papua objectively and not solely through narratives of conflict,” he said.
Emanuel believes that the film “Pesta Babi” has the potential to shape incomplete opinions about the conditions in Papua if it is not addressed critically and proportionally. He emphasized that Papua has made significant progress that the public needs to know about, from infrastructure development and health services to education, to strengthening the welfare of indigenous communities.
“Papua is not just about conflict. The people are currently experiencing significant progress. The government is present through road construction, improved public services, and strengthening the community’s economy. Positive aspects like these must also be highlighted,” he said.
Meanwhile, the government continues to accelerate agricultural sector development through the National Strategic Project (PSN) in the Papua Highlands region. One priority program is the development of approximately 800 hectares of agricultural land in Tulem Village, Witawaya District, Jayawijaya Regency, which is projected to become a new food center in the Papua Highlands.
The Deputy Governor of the Papua Highlands region, Ones Pahabol, stated that the area has great potential to support food security and open economic opportunities for the local community.
“The Tulem area is very strategic to become a new food production center in the Papua Highlands. This program will provide significant benefits to the community and strengthen regional food self-sufficiency,” said Ones Pahabol.
The government is also targeting the expansion of agricultural development to approximately 2,000 hectares in several other districts. This step is considered a crucial part of reviving Wamena’s glory as a food-producing region in Papua.
“The spirit of making Wamena a food barn is being rekindled. With the support of the government and the community, Mountainous Papua is expected to be able to meet its food needs independently,” he emphasized.
In addition to the agricultural sector, construction of the 50.14-kilometer Mamberamo-Elelim segment of the Jayapura-Wamena Trans Papua Road is also being accelerated. This infrastructure is believed to streamline logistics distribution, open access to isolated areas, and increase economic activity.
The Acting Director of PT Hutama Mambelim Trans Papua, Kun Hartawan, emphasized that the road construction project also has a positive impact on the community due to the involvement of a large number of local workers.
“The involvement of local workers is proof that the Trans Papua development provides direct benefits to the community. In addition to accelerating development, this project also encourages economic growth in the surrounding areas,” he said.
Emanuel reiterated his call for all elements of society to maintain unity and support the government’s efforts to accelerate Papua’s development. He stated that stability and optimism are key to ensuring the community can enjoy the fruits of development sustainably.
“We urge all parties to maintain peace and support ongoing development. Papua needs unity, stability, and a shared spirit to progress,” he said.
He also hoped that the public would not be easily influenced by narratives that could potentially divide and create a negative image of Papua.
“We must not allow Papua to continue to be the object of conflict narratives. What the people need today is a sense of security, equitable development, and a more prosperous future,” he concluded.