The Indonesian government continues to be committed to improving the welfare of the Papuan people through infrastructure development. As a form of equitable development in Indonesia, infrastructure development will create connectivity and open up accessibility for the community, thereby reducing time, distance and costs. Through massive development in Bumi Cendrawasih, of course it will be able to bring in investment aimed at the welfare of the community. In this way, the Papuan people are able to generate income many times over and become prosperous.
For example, the development of road infrastructure, this program continues to be intensified non-stop until it is completely evenly distributed throughout Indonesia. The government’s priority in building the Trans Papua road is to facilitate public access to carry out activities. For traders or entrepreneurs, for example, shipping costs and fuel costs can be saved and they can make more profits.
The road and bridge infrastructure that was built also makes it easier for the Papuan people to gain access to health facilities. Such as faster treatment of pregnant women, thereby reducing the death rate of pregnant women.
Equalization of the Indonesian economy must be realized immediately with the aim of developing Indonesia towards a Golden Indonesia in 2045. Infrastructure and several other important places such as ports and airports are also being intensively built to facilitate the mobility of local people.
The massive development currently taking place in Papua is actually having a positive impact on the Eastern Region itself. The reason is that with this development, it can attract investors to invest. That way, it will definitely open up job opportunities for the sons of Papua. Apart from that, the existence of these investments means paving the way for the development of Bumi Cendrawasih itself. So this development does indeed bring many positive benefits, not negative ones and even the people themselves feel the benefits.
The Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ma’ruf Amin, said that his party had instructed Ministers/Heads of Institutions to prepare and implement strategic steps according to their authority to accelerate the development of infrastructure, especially expansion in 4 new regions. It is hoped that this regional expansion will be very effective in reducing all administration, increasing welfare and health services for the community. Regional expansion will later attract regional finances, especially the APDB which will be managed by the local government. So, it will be more effective and focused in serving the community.
So far, logistics costs have been considered quite expensive because the infrastructure in Papua is inadequate. Plus, the area is quite large, making administration quite far and lengthy. As a result, the Papua region lags behind other regions regarding welfare.
Acting Governor of Central Papua, Ribka Haluk, said that his party really supports infrastructure development in Papua so that it is easier for Papuan people to carry out their activities. He also hopes that the new airport in Karadiri, Nabire Regency can operate soon. This is a commitment to support economic activities in the New Autonomous Region (DOB). Infrastructure development around the new airport is part of his priority program within the framework of the main agenda of the 12 priority agendas that are implicated in Law Number 15 of 2022 concerning Central Papua Province. According to him, this development is a necessity that must be carried out so that public access becomes easier. He added that representative and comfortable airport conditions are the desire of all the people of Central Papua Province.
Meanwhile, the Minister of PUPR, Basuki Hadimuljono, said that one way of improving the welfare of the Papuan people is by opening up regional isolation and increasing access and connectivity from land and multi-modal, including the construction of the Trans Papua Road with a total length of 3,462 kilometers.
Furthermore, to support human resource (HR) capacity development, the Ministry of PUPR has built 179 schools and religious services, one university and eight sports facilities in Papua. Apart from that, the Ministry of PUPR also carries out HR training for construction services involving native Papuan and West Papuan work partners.
Meanwhile, to provide more creative space for superior, creative and advanced Papuan sons and daughters, the PUPR Ministry is building a Papuan creative development center or Youth Creative Hub in Jayapura, Papua Province.
An area does require adequate transportation to be able to reach other areas easily. For example, airports and ports are the most important mobility for carrying out buying and selling activities. Indeed, this activity can certainly help increase regional economic income.
The benefits of development in the Papua region are not only felt by the Indonesian Government, because the local community can also directly experience the benefits of infrastructure development in Bumi Cendrawasih. The reason is that, with adequate infrastructure, people can easily mobilize to reach other areas. Apart from that, on the other hand, the Indonesian government also receives contributions to state income through export and investment activities which will later open up job opportunities for the community.
