By : Veronica Lokbere )*
The government is intensively developing Papua and many other prestigious projects are currently being implemented. Construction of bridges, roads and infrastructure will create connectivity between regions. Communities can enjoy these facilities and their mobility is launched. In addition, human resource development is also carried out so that the people of Papua are more advanced and intelligent.
Since the beginning of President Jokowi’s administration (2014) the development of Papua has been carried out massively. The government is developing Papua because the area has great potential and at the same time realizes equitable distribution of development in western and eastern Indonesia. Developments undertaken include infrastructure in the form of roads and bridges, as well as development of human resources (HR).
The construction of the trans Papua road that connects the provinces of Papua and West Papua which stretches for more than 4,000 kilometers is President Jokowi’s breakthrough in bringing prosperity to the people of Papua. If there are good and smooth roads, shipping goods between regions can run smoothly and save time. Then the shipping costs can also go down.
Likewise with the construction of the Hamadi-Holketam bridge. The bridge has also contributed to smooth transportation between the capital city of Jayapura and Skouw, making it a tourist destination. The existence of this beautiful red bridge can attract local and foreign tourists. This can benefit Papuans who have accommodation and travel businesses.
Deputy Governor of West Papua Province M. Lakotani stated that the Provincial Government of West Papua is focusing on five development priorities in 2023 and trying to solve problems that continue to be faced in governance and development in the province.
M. Lakotani continued, the five development priorities for 2023 in West Papua Province, the first is accelerating economic development and community empowerment, while the second is improving the quality of superior human resources and having contextual character in West Papua, as well as social protection.
The third development priority is development in improving the quality of basic infrastructure and inter-regional connectivity, as well as the quality of regional spatial management. Then increase the fair and sustainable management of the environment and natural resources.
Construction of the Trans Papua Road, bridges and other infrastructure for connectivity between Papua regions. Papua’s geographical conditions still exist in the form of hills and forests, making it somewhat difficult for people’s mobility. However, when there is the Trans Papua Road, it will be easier for them to travel.
Connectivity between regions is very important because it affects the economic sector. When mobility is smooth, business relationships are also smooth, also reducing transportation costs. Therefore, infrastructure was built and the aim was to advance the Papuan people’s economy.
President Joko Widodo stated that if the infrastructure in Papua is good, ports and roads are good, then the economy will grow faster. Because the logistics distribution for people and finished goods increases. The effect is, there will be no more poverty there, because everyone is already prosperous.
Development in Papua also aims to improve human resources (HR). Some of the special autonomy funds (otsus) are used for development in the education sector. The special autonomy funds are channeled to build schools and libraries, as well as provide scholarships to outstanding Papuan sons.
With the help of the special autonomy scholarship, Papuan children can go to school up to a minimum of high school, and if they are able, they can also continue up to university. In this way, human resources in Papua will be of better quality because the majority of young people are university graduates.
Papua’s development is intended for the welfare of the people, and the way to do this is by building various infrastructures such as roads and bridges. If people’s mobility is smooth, it will have a positive effect on their economy. Apart from that, development is also carried out in the field of education, with the aim of increasing the people’s human resources in Cenderawasih Earth.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Makassar
