By: Fania Yikwa
President Joko Widodo’s government has succeeded in gaining strong public support thanks to its efforts in accelerating infrastructure development and promoting peace in Cenderawasih Land.
Since taking office as President of the Republic of Indonesia in 2014, the national leader who was born in Surakarta City has focused on equitable development throughout Indonesia, including in the region nicknamed Little Heaven at the tip of Indonesia.
This effort is not only visible in the various major infrastructure projects that have been completed, but also in the government’s approach to creating sustainable peace in Papua.
According to the Head of the National News Agency (LKBN) Antara Papua Bureau, Hendrina Dian Kandipi, infrastructure development in Papua Province has experienced very massive progress during the leadership era of the President of the Republic of Indonesia who has been in office since 2014.
The Trans Papua Road, which is now one of the major projects in the region, has facilitated access between previously difficult-to-reach areas. This development has had a positive impact on the local economy, by increasing the mobility of goods and services. In addition, other infrastructure projects, such as the construction of airports, ports, and telecommunications facilities, continue to encourage the integration of Papua with other regions in Indonesia.
In addition to infrastructure, the issue of peace in Papua is also an important focus for President Joko Widodo. The approach taken to create peace in the region nicknamed the Little Heaven in Eastern Indonesia is not only physical development, but also involves active dialogue with various stakeholders.
Acting Governor of Papua Pegunungan, Velix Vernando Wanggai, revealed that the government through Vice President Ma’ruf Amin has held a meeting with Human Rights (HAM) activists to discuss the acceleration of development and sustainable peace in Papua. This meeting signifies the government’s commitment to ensuring the stability and welfare of the people in the region.
Senior West Papuan figure Ismail Sirfefa assessed the government’s non-violent approach as an effective strategy in resolving the conflict in Papua. This policy, he said, is different from past approaches that often involved repressive actions.
The government under President Jokowi’s leadership prefers a humanist and dialogical approach. This approach is considered capable of bridging differences and creating more sustainable solutions for the Papuan people.
With the active involvement of the community, peace efforts carried out by the government have shown significant results, creating more conducive conditions for development.
The major infrastructure projects currently underway also play a significant role in creating peaceful conditions in Cenderawasih Land. The construction of bridges and roads in remote areas opens up access to previously isolated areas, facilitating the distribution of aid and government services.
In addition, increasing access to education and health services also strengthens the government’s efforts to improve the quality of life of the Papuan people. This reflects President Jokowi’s long-term vision of creating equitable prosperity throughout Indonesia.
The acceleration of infrastructure development in the area nicknamed the Golden City not only provides economic benefits, but also becomes a means to strengthen the identity and sense of pride of the Papuan people as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia.
Infrastructure projects implemented in Papua so far have succeeded in connecting previously difficult-to-reach areas, reducing disparities between regions, and increasing community access to wider resources.
In addition to physical development, efforts to create peace have also shown significant progress. A more humanistic and collaborative approach to resolving the conflict in Papua has been well received by various parties, including the local community.
The government continues to encourage dialogue and reconciliation, while strengthening the state’s presence through development and public services. This success is a concrete manifestation of President Jokowi’s commitment to creating a peaceful and prosperous Papua, where development and peace go hand in hand.
The continued public support for the President of the Republic of Indonesia also reflects public trust in the policies he has implemented. Under President Jokowi’s leadership, the government has succeeded in proving that infrastructure development and peace are not two separate things, but are interrelated. The Papuan people are increasingly feeling the benefits of equitable development, while efforts to create peace continue to show positive results on the ground.
Overall, President Jokowi’s success in accelerating infrastructure development and promoting peace in the region nicknamed the Little Heaven that Fell to Earth has had a broad positive impact on the people of Papua and Indonesia as a whole.
With full support from the public, the government remains committed to realizing a more advanced, prosperous and peaceful Papua, while ensuring that development in the region is sustainable.
This success is not only concrete evidence of President Jokowi’s dedication to Papua, but also an important part of a major effort to strengthen national unity.
*) Observer of Papuan and Remote Area Politics – Center for Eastern Indonesian Political Studies