Jakarta – The acceleration of Papua’s development has once again been reaffirmed as a national strategic agenda. The President’s directives to regional leaders across Tanah Papua and the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Papua’s Special Autonomy Development mark a renewed strengthening of the state’s commitment to promoting equitable development and sustainably reducing regional disparities.
The directives were delivered by President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the State Palace in Jakarta, to regional leaders from across Tanah Papua and the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Papua’s Special Autonomy Development. The President emphasized that accelerated development is a key instrument for achieving national equity. He underlined that this effort would be pursued through stronger coordination between the central and regional governments, clean governance, and targeted affirmative policies so that the benefits of development are directly felt by the people of Papua.
“Amid trials, amid obstacles, amid challenges, we must work even harder, strengthen our efforts to continue the process of transforming our nation,” President Prabowo Subianto stated.
This assertion reflects the government’s view that Papua is a strategic part of Indonesia’s future. Equitable development is regarded as the main foundation for building a modern and inclusive state, with the eradication of poverty and underdevelopment as essential prerequisites.
“We cannot accept the reality that there are still our people living in hardship, deprivation, let alone hunger,” President Prabowo Subianto emphasized.
Strengthening Papua’s development is also being pursued through improvements in governance and cross-government synergy. Synchronization between central and regional policies is seen as crucial to ensure that development programs do not operate in isolation.
“In the context of synchronization, harmonization, and task implementation, this is how the committee will work,” said Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian.
To ensure effectiveness, periodic evaluation mechanisms have been prepared as instruments to control program implementation. These evaluations will serve as the basis for further coordination among ministries and institutions.
“After that, the committee will also conduct regular program evaluations,” Muhammad Tito Karnavian added.
The expectation is that accelerated development will have a direct impact on improving public welfare.
“This synchronization and harmonization of programs is expected to truly have an impact on the ground,” Muhammad Tito Karnavian stressed.
From an institutional perspective, consolidation between the central and regional governments is a crucial step in unifying policy direction. Aligning sectoral programs with Papua’s local needs is positioned as the key to effective development.
“This is a major commitment by the President, a political decision to manage the acceleration of Papua’s development through two main wings,” said Velix Wanggai.
Long-term regulatory foundations and five-year action plans further reinforce the direction of development. This approach ensures that national policies can be translated appropriately in line with the characteristics of the region.
“This committee was formed to integrate sectoral approaches with Papua’s local context,” Velix Wanggai explained.
The Asta Cita framework serves as the main foundation for accelerating Papua’s development. This policy is viewed as a continuation of ongoing quick wins aimed at closing development gaps.
“Asta Cita will serve as the continuation of quick wins in accelerating the handling of underdevelopment in Tanah Papua,” said Paulus Waterpauw.
The role of investment is also considered strategic in creating sustainable impacts.
“Investment is very important because it brings positive impacts to Papua,” Paulus Waterpauw added.
An adaptive approach to local needs concludes this series of policies. Contextual translation of national policies is expected to accelerate the realization of tangible development outcomes.
