By: Rebecca Marian)*
President Jokowi is very concerned about Papua as the region continues to be developed, both in terms of infrastructure and human resources. The community appreciates the various development achievements in Papua which are expected to accelerate the progress of the Cenderawasih earth.
In the past, Papua had a slightly negative image and there were still ordinary people who thought that it was just a wilderness. All this because Papua only joined the Republic of Indonesia in the 1960s, also because of the centralization policy in the New Order era so that the eastern part of Indonesia was not given much attention. However, since the reform order, it has been replaced with decentralization and equal distribution of each region in the Republic of Indonesia.
To develop Papua, of course, not only one month or two months is enough. However, during the administration of President Jokowi in almost 2 terms, the achievements of development in Papua have been very positive. This is because of President Jokowi’s great concern for the Papuan people.
The Special Staff of the Minister of Transportation for Economic Affairs and Transportation Investment, Wihana Kirana Jaya, stated that the development of transportation facilities for the transportation sector is still the government’s concern, through the Ministry of Transportation. The Ministry of Transportation will build an airport, especially in the mountainous area of Papua because the people still depend on air transportation.
Currently there are 389 airports throughout the Papua region and more will be added. The reason is because the Papua region is very unique, consisting of forests, hills, plains, and mountains. So that access to the mountains can only be via airplane.
In addition to airport construction, road construction is also prioritized. Currently, the Trans Papua Road has been completed and inaugurated directly by President Jokowi. This road is indeed made for the smooth mobility of the Papuan people and they can pass it by motorbike or car. Not only walking through the path that is relatively difficult to penetrate.
President Jokowi has indeed made land transportation easier because it can have a positive effect on the economy of the Papuan people. In addition to shortening travel time, there will be efficiency so that it saves transportation costs. When there is a road, the dependence on air transportation will gradually decrease, thus saving people’s money.
The traders who benefit the most from the ease of access to land transportation are traders because they can send goods smoothly and save costs at the same time. When transportation costs can be reduced, the prices of basic necessities and other goods can be lowered. As a result, the community also benefits because they get a more affordable price, if possible, almost the same as in Java.
The construction of road access in the era of President Jokowi deserves to be appreciated because he thinks about the long-term effects. Not only ease of mobility but also reduced prices. It is no secret that the price of goods in Papua is very expensive, many times higher than in Java. However, with the rise of land transportation, it is hoped that it will decrease, so that the people’s welfare will be prosperous.
Development in the era of President Jokowi is not only in the form of physical development but also human resources. This is done by providing special autonomy scholarships (Otsus) so that the sons of Papua can continue their education up to university level. It is hoped that with a bachelor’s degree, they will get a better job and the salary is also good.
The community appreciates the achievements of Papua’s development in the era of President Jokowi. Papua has turned into a beautiful ultra modern area, and still pays attention to environmental security. Papua has a lot of potential for natural resources and tourism, so it is natural that it should continue to be built, so as to benefit the people as well. Infrastructure development continues to work for the benefit of the community.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Jakarta