By: Isak Sokoy )*
Infrastructure development in Papua continues to grow rapidly and has proven to be able to realize better connectivity and drive progress in various sectors. Under the leadership of President Joko Widodo, infrastructure development in Bumi Cenderawasih has had a significant impact in accelerating the wheels of the economy, increasing accessibility, and opening up new opportunities for the local community.
The presence of better infrastructure, from roads, bridges, to public facilities, plays an important role in strengthening the connectivity of the region nicknamed the Little Heaven that Fell to Earth with other regions in Indonesia.
Head of the Vice President’s Secretariat, Prof. Ahmad Erani Yustika, said that Presidential Instruction Number 9 of 2020 concerning the Acceleration of Welfare Development in the Provinces of Papua and West Papua is an important foundation for development efforts in the region.
The instruction is part of the government’s major theme, namely strengthening economic capacity. Since the Presidential Instruction was enacted, the government has carried out better coordination in monitoring the implementation of development in Papua.
The weight of planning is increasingly being considered, so that the programs implemented are more focused and directly beneficial to the community. Infrastructure development is seen as a key element in accelerating the economic supply chain, pumping economic activity faster, and facilitating public access to public facilities such as education and health.
The infrastructure built is not only aimed at strengthening the economic sector, but also to ensure that people in the region nicknamed the Little Heaven at the tip of Indonesia have easier access to various basic services.
With better access, people can be more productive, both in developing local businesses and in utilizing abundant natural potential. Education and health, two sectors that are very crucial for the progress of a nation, get a significant boost with the presence of adequate infrastructure.
In addition to the economic aspect, infrastructure development also supports tourism development in Southwest Papua. Head of the Youth, Sports, Tourism and Creative Economy Agency of Southwest Papua, Yusdi N Lamatenggo, emphasized that connectivity is an important key in developing the tourism sector.
The newly formed province has extraordinary natural wealth, such as Raja Ampat, but to attract tourists, good transportation connectivity is needed. The central government through the Ministry of Transportation has given special attention to the development of land, sea, and air transportation, which is very necessary to facilitate the arrival of tourists. With easier access, tourists from within and outside the country can enjoy the natural beauty of Southwest Papua, which will contribute to improving the local economy.
Infrastructure development not only brings progress to tourism and the economy, but also affects the daily lives of the community. Head of Perum LKBN ANTARA Papua Bureau, Hendrina Dian Kandipi, stated that infrastructure development in Papua has experienced very rapid development during the era of President Joko Widodo’s administration.
Many development projects are being carried out, from road repairs, bridge construction, to the provision of public facilities such as markets and shopping centers. One of the most striking projects is the construction of the Red Bridge which cuts travel time from three hours to one hour. This shows how infrastructure can directly change people’s lives, especially in terms of mobility and accessibility.
Not only physical infrastructure that gets attention, but also the social and economic development of the Papuan people. Dian highlighted that the government has built a special market for Papuan “mama-mama”, as a place for them to sell agricultural products and smoked fish.
In addition, a lot of capital assistance is provided to local communities, as well as scholarships distributed to various districts to support Papuan children to continue their education abroad.
Free healthcare is also part of the government program run through the Papua Health Card. All of this is a real form of government efforts to empower the Papuan people, especially in the economic and education sectors.
In an effort to support the younger generation, the Papua Youth Creative Hub (PYCH) was also built as a place for young Papuans to develop their skills, both in business, technology, and public communication.
The facility provides space for young people to grow and develop, so they can compete at national and international levels. The programs run at PYCH include entrepreneurship training to public speaking, which are very relevant to facing the challenges of the modern world.
The infrastructure built also supports the growth of the local economy. Dian observed that currently many shopping centers are being built in Papua, so that people have a place to develop small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The malls are also a gathering place for young people, which shows that Papua has experienced significant development, not inferior to other regions in Indonesia. This change illustrates how infrastructure development can create a chain effect, not only in the economic sector, but also in the social life of the community.
Overall, infrastructure development in Bumi Cenderawasih has proven to be able to create better connectivity, accelerate economic growth, and improve the quality of life of the community.
The progress that has occurred is not only felt in the city center, but also in remote areas of Papua, so that all levels of society can feel the positive impact of the development that has been carried out.
Strong infrastructure is the foundation for Papua’s progress, opening access to various opportunities, and providing hope for a better future for all people in this area nicknamed the Golden City.
)* Papuan Political Observer