Accelerating Development, Government Determined to Realize Independent, Just and Prosperous Papua
By: Yulius Mepare
The government continues to accelerate development in Papua as part of efforts to make this region independent, just, and prosperous. The ongoing development program in Papua is not only aimed at addressing regional disparities, but also improving the quality of life of the local community.
With an Indonesia-centric vision, the government is committed to providing equitable development throughout the country, including in Bumi Cenderawasih which is rich in potential, both natural resources and culture.
Minister of National Development Planning (PPN)/Head of Bappenas, Suharso Monoarfa, explained the government’s vision in creating a more just and prosperous Papua. Efforts to accelerate development in Papua are not just to build physical infrastructure, but also aim to improve people’s welfare in a sustainable manner.
This step is carried out by strengthening the economic, educational, and health foundations in the region nicknamed the Little Heaven that Fell to Earth. Development in Papua is designed comprehensively, so that it can encourage Papuan society to become more independent and productive.
The government continues to strive to minimize inter-regional disparities by accelerating development in Papua. This is part of the strategy put forward by Vice President KH Ma’ruf Amin, who emphasized the government’s commitment to realizing Indonesia-centric development.
Development in Papua is aimed at reducing the gap that still exists between the eastern and western regions of Indonesia. Through more equitable development, the government hopes to encourage Papua to become a prosperous region, where people can enjoy equal access to education, health, and economic opportunities.
One of the main instruments implemented by the government to support this grand vision is the Papua Development Acceleration Master Plan (RIPPP) for 2022-2041. Deputy for Regional Development of Bappenas, Tri Dewi Virgiyanti, assessed that RIPPP is a breakthrough step that will bring major changes to the Land of Papua in the next two decades.
The program is designed to create a healthy, intelligent, and productive Papua, by prioritizing sustainable development. The plan is also in line with the government’s grand vision, namely to make Papua independent and just, where the community has the ability to be economically and socially empowered.
Acceleration of development in Papua is not only focused on infrastructure development, such as roads, bridges, and public facilities. The government also pays great attention to socio-economic development that can empower local communities.
In the education sector, the government continues to build and improve educational facilities, with the hope that the young generation of Papua can have access to education that is equal to other regions in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, in the health sector, the construction of hospitals and health centers in remote areas in Papua is also being intensified, so that the community can obtain proper health services.
In addition to education and health, economic development in Papua is also one of the main focuses of the government. The land of Papua has great potential in the natural resources sector, such as mining, fisheries, and forestry, which if managed properly can provide great benefits to the local community.
The government is trying to increase the added value of these sectors, so that local communities can be actively involved in the production and distribution process. Thus, the acceleration of development in Papua also encourages the formation of an inclusive economy, where local communities have greater opportunities to participate in economic activities.
RIPPP as the main guideline for development in Papua aims to ensure that development is in accordance with local needs and is oriented towards long-term results. This program emphasizes the importance of sustainable development that does not only focus on economic growth, but also maintains the balance of the environment and the preservation of Papua’s nature.
The Cenderawasih Earth, which is rich in biodiversity, must be well maintained, so that development does not have a negative impact on the environment and existing ecosystems.
This acceleration of development efforts also involves close collaboration between the central and regional governments. The central government, through Bappenas and various related ministries, continues to synchronize development programs with regional governments in Papua.
This cooperation is important so that every policy implemented in Papua is in accordance with local needs and involves the active participation of the local community. The local government in Papua has a major role in making these development programs a success, by providing input and supporting the implementation of the policies that have been formulated.
In the last ten years, development in Papua has shown significant progress, although major challenges remain. The development of basic infrastructure, such as the Trans Papua road, airports, and ports, has now facilitated access to transportation and logistics in Papua.
This better access is expected to spur economic growth in previously hard-to-reach areas. In addition, the government is also strengthening digital connectivity in Papua by building a high-speed internet network, so that people can connect with the outside world and increase productivity in the digital era.
The challenges faced in accelerating Papua’s development are not small. Difficult geographical location, limited resources, and social and political problems in several regions of Papua are obstacles in implementing development programs.
However, with strong determination from the government, as well as support from the community and stakeholders in Papua, this development acceleration continues with the grand goal of realizing a more independent, just, and prosperous Papua.
Papua, which was once considered backward, is now on the right track towards progress. Through accelerated development carried out in a measured and sustainable manner, the government is determined to create Papua that is equal to other regions in Indonesia.
With various ongoing programs, Papua is expected to become a region that is not only economically advanced, but also independent and prosperous for all its people.
This development is not merely symbolic, but rather a concrete step to eliminate the existing gap and create social justice throughout the country.
Senior Researcher on Papuan Issues – Independent Papuan Institute for Social and Political Studies
