By: Franky Nawipa*
Papua is an inseparable part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). Inclusive development in Papua is one of the priority agendas in President Joko Widodo’s government. In the spirit of realizing social justice for all Indonesian people, the government continues to encourage accelerated development in the eastern region, including Papua. In the last ten years, efforts to catch up with Papua have shown significant results, especially in infrastructure development, education and health. The inclusive approach taken by the government aims to ensure that development in Papua is not only physical but also includes improving the quality of human resources (HR) and social welfare.
One of the important achievements in the infrastructure sector is the construction of the 3,462 kilometer Trans Papua road and the 1,098 kilometer border road. Apart from that, the government has also built a 1.3 kilometer bridge, an airport, an office complex, and improved road access, including the ring road. The construction of three State Border Posts (PLBN) in Papua further emphasizes the importance of regional connectivity and efforts to integrate Papua as an inseparable part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
In the context of economic development, the Papua region receives serious attention with a large budget allocation from the central government. According to the Deputy for Accounts and Statistical Analysis at the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), M Edy Mahmud, economic growth in Papua, Maluku and Sulawesi is driven by the processing industry, which is a mainstay sector in creating jobs and improving people’s welfare. This shows that the industrial sector in Papua is starting to develop and become a driving force for the local economy.
The government has also launched the Papua Development Acceleration Master Plan (RIPPP) for 2022-2041 which aims to realize an independent, just and prosperous Papua. With three main missions, namely Healthy Papua, Smart Papua and Productive Papua, this development is directed so that the Papuan people, especially Indigenous Papuans (OAP), can enjoy equitable progress. The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Muhadjir Effendy, emphasized that development in Papua aims to reduce inequality between regions and improve the welfare of local communities. Efforts to improve this will continue to be carried out through sustainable and inclusive development.
In an effort to improve the quality of Human Resources (HR), the government is aggressively building good educational facilities in various corners of Papua. Vocational education and training is also a main focus, by collaborating with a number of training institutions to improve the skills of the Papuan people. This step is expected to increase the competitiveness of Indigenous Papuans and provide them with greater opportunities to participate in national development.
From a budget perspective, the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) has become an important instrument in encouraging development in Papua. According to the Head of Representative of the Ministry of Finance for the Papua Region, Kristijanindyati Puspitasari, in recent years, Papua has become the main focus of national fiscal policy. Budget realization in Papua shows positive results, with income reaching IDR 11.58 trillion and expenditure of IDR 36.03 trillion by the end of August 2024. Even though there is a deficit, state revenue growth in Papua shows a positive trend, especially from the international trade tax sector which has grown significantly . Puspitasari also highlighted the importance of the People’s Business Credit (KUR) program which has distributed IDR 1.396 trillion to MSMEs in Papua. This program is expected to encourage local economic growth and open new job opportunities.
The government’s efforts in development in Papua have also received international recognition. At the 79th United Nations (UN) General Assembly Session, Indonesian representatives emphasized the government’s commitment to developing Papua in an inclusive and sustainable manner. Mariska Dhanutirto, Minister Counselor for the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Indonesia in New York, said that Papua and West Papua are among the top eight provinces with the highest budget allocations in Indonesia. The main focus of this budget is infrastructure development and improving community welfare. Various strategic projects such as the construction of roads, airports, ports, schools and hospitals continue to be intensified to improve accessibility and quality of life for the Papuan people. The achievement of increasing the Human Development Index (HDI) in Papua over the last decade is clear evidence that development in this region has had a positive impact on society.
Apart from that, development in Papua is carried out with an approach that respects the rights of indigenous peoples. Mariska emphasized that the government always involves local communities in every stage of development and pays attention to sustainability aspects. It is hoped that this commitment can ensure that development in Papua is not just about catching up with lagging infrastructure, but also creates sustainable change and provides long-term benefits for local communities.
Overall, the government’s efforts to strengthen Papua as an inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia through inclusive development have shown real results. Even though challenges still exist, such as the development gap between the eastern and western regions of Indonesia, the government’s commitment to continuing to encourage progress in Papua should be appreciated. With a sustainable approach and involving local communities, it is hoped that Papua can continue to grow into an independent, just and prosperous region, in line with the Indonesia-centric development vision.
*The author is a native Papuan student