By: Yulius Mepare)*
President Joko Widodo continues to prioritize the development of Papua as part of his Indonesia-centric vision which prioritizes equitable development throughout Indonesia.
Papua, known as the Land of Cenderawasih, has become the focus of government attention with various development acceleration programs aimed at reducing disparities between regions.
This step not only answers the challenges faced by Papua, but also serves as real evidence of the government’s seriousness in developing the region nicknamed the Little Heaven that Fell to Earth.
The Main Expert of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP), Theofransus Litaay, views the development of Papua as one of the biggest legacies that President Jokowi will leave behind.
This development is not merely a political symbol, but aims to provide a significant impact on the lives of the Papuan people, covering various aspects such as economic, social and infrastructure.
The ongoing programs in Papua have been designed to provide long-term benefits, so that the results can be felt by future generations. This legacy is expected to be the foundation for the next government to continue development in Papua that is more just and prosperous.
President Joko Widodo has emphasized on various occasions that Papua is one of the main priorities in the government’s Indonesia-centric development vision. This can be seen from the various major infrastructure projects that have been and are being worked on in the region, such as the Trans Papua road, the construction of airports, ports, and health and education facilities.
Development in Papua is not only focused on physical infrastructure, but also on empowering local communities through socio-economic programs aimed at improving people’s welfare.
Papua under the leadership of the man born in Surakarta City has experienced significant progress in various sectors, and this achievement is expected to be a starting point for the next government to continue the development agenda.
The Head of Strategic Papua Analysis (APS), Laus Deo Calvin Rumayom, assessed that President Jokowi showed extraordinary concern for the Papuan people. This can be seen from the intensity of his visits to Papua which was recorded as the most compared to previous presidents.
The Head of State not only made a ceremonial visit, but was also directly involved in monitoring and ensuring that development programs in Papua were running according to plan. The President’s love and commitment to the Land of Papua can be seen from the various pro-people policies that have been implemented, with the hope that the Papuan people can feel the direct benefits of the development carried out by the central government.
Development in Papua during the Jokowi era is inseparable from the grand vision to create equitable development throughout Indonesia. The government has placed Papua as one of the priority areas for development, with various strategic steps designed to accelerate progress in the region.
The development programs that have been initiated not only have an economic impact, but also aim to improve the standard of living of the Papuan people as a whole. Papua, as an integral part of Indonesia, is getting more attention than ever in terms of budget allocation, resources, and inclusive policies.
The legacy of Papuan development built by President Jokowi will be an important milestone for the next government. In the context of Indonesia-centric development, Papua is no longer considered a lagging region, but rather a strategic area that has great potential for development.
The construction of roads, bridges, and airports in Papua has opened up previously inaccessible areas, allowing Papuans to connect with other parts of Indonesia. This provides great opportunities for local economic growth, especially in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.
Development efforts in Papua also include social and cultural aspects. The government has involved local communities in the development process, so that the programs implemented are in accordance with local needs and potential.
The central government is working with local governments in Papua to ensure that development is effective and involves active participation from local communities. This approach is expected to encourage Papuans to be more empowered and independent in managing the abundant natural resources in their region.
This grand plan does not stop only in the era of President Jokowi’s leadership. The next government has the responsibility to continue the development that has been planned, by maintaining the consistency of the programs that are already running.
The Papua Development Acceleration Master Plan (RIPPP) is an important reference for the future government in continuing the development agenda in Bumi Cenderawasih. The RIPPP, which is designed for the next 20 years, targets the achievement of prosperity, independence, and social justice in Papua. With the RIPPP, the development of Papua is expected to not only be temporary, but sustainable and have a positive impact on local communities in the long term.
In addition to infrastructure development, the government also continues to encourage the development of human resources (HR) in Papua. Education and skills training programs have become one of the main focuses in creating a competent young generation of Papuans who are ready to compete in the national and international labor markets.
It is hoped that improving the quality of human resources can raise the standard of living of the Papuan people as a whole, so that they can contribute more to national development.
President Jokowi has shown a strong commitment to accelerating the development of Papua. Active involvement in monitoring development programs, as well as various policies that are Indonesia-centric, are real evidence of the government’s determination to make Papua a region that is equal to other regions in Indonesia.
The ongoing development in Papua is not only an achievement for the era of the seventh President of the Republic of Indonesia, but will also be a strong legacy for the next government.
It is hoped that the next government can continue and strengthen these development programs, so that Papua can achieve its vision as an independent, just and prosperous region.
In this context, Papua will continue to be the focus of national development, where sustainable and inclusive development is the main key to creating equitable prosperity for all people in Bumi Cenderawasih.
*) Senior Researcher on Papuan Issues – Independent Papuan Institute for Social and Political Studies