Papua, as a province with abundant natural resources, has great potential to develop and improve the welfare of its people. However, this potential is often not utilized optimally. For this reason, an appropriate economic development strategy is needed to ensure increased local welfare.
One of the crucial first steps in Papua’s economic development is infrastructure development. Adequate infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, ports and airports, will facilitate access to various regions in Papua. With good infrastructure, the distribution of goods and services becomes more efficient, which in turn will support economic growth. Apart from that, good infrastructure will also attract investment from outside, which will open up new jobs and increase people’s income.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri), John WempiWetipo, said the government is consistent in overseeing the acceleration of development in the Papua Mountain Province. Accelerating development in the Papua Mountain Province continues to be carried out by implementing various programs and policies that focus on improving infrastructure, education and community welfare.
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In recent years, central and regional governments have worked together to improve transportation access by building highways, bridges and airports in previously difficult-to-reach areas. This effort aims to facilitate the distribution of goods and services and open wider access for local communities to connect with other areas. In addition, education and skills training programs are also continuously being improved to empower local human resources, ensuring that they have the necessary abilities to contribute to the development of their own regions.
In order to ensure the acceleration of sustainable development, the government also pays attention to the social and economic aspects of the people of Mountain Papua. Various initiatives have been launched to support local economic development, including providing capital assistance to small and medium businesses, as well as developing community-based agricultural and tourism sectors. The government is also focusing on improving health services and public facilities to ensure that the benefits of development can be felt by all levels of society.
Apart from that, developing human resources (HR) is also an important strategy in Papua’s economic development. Vocational education and training must be improved to ensure that Papuans have the skills necessary to compete in the job market. Training programs that are relevant to the needs of local industries, such as agriculture, fisheries and tourism, will help people get decent jobs and contribute to the regional economy.
Chair of the Sorong City Indonesian Women Entrepreneurs Association (IWAPI), Yarli, said that there are many sectors in Papua that can be developed and can improve people’s welfare. So far, Papuan people are considered to still have difficulty obtaining halal certificates, BPOM permits and other permits. Therefore, IWAPI Sorong City continues to provide assistance so that Papuan MSME products can be known and accepted by the public so that later they can enter the international market. Apart from that, economic diversification is also continuously encouraged.
Papua has fertile land and waters rich in fish and other marine products. Economic diversification through the development of the agricultural and fisheries sectors can be one solution to increase people’s income. Community-based agriculture and fish farming can be encouraged by providing training and technological assistance to local farmers and fishermen. In addition, the development of agricultural and fishery product processing industries can increase the value of the products produced, thereby providing greater benefits for society. By diversifying the economy, the risk of dependence on one sector will be reduced, and there will be more opportunities to create new jobs.
Papua has extraordinary natural beauty and unique cultural riches, which can be a tourist attraction. Community-based tourism development can be an effective strategy to improve local welfare. By involving the community in managing tourist attractions, income from the tourism sector can be directly felt by the local community. Apart from that, community-based tourism can also help preserve local culture and traditions.
Papua’s economic development requires close cooperation between the government, private sector and society. Collaboration between various stakeholders will ensure that development programs run effectively and sustainably. The government must act as a facilitator and regulator, while the private sector and society play a role in implementing these programs.
Papua’s economic development requires a comprehensive and integrated approach. Infrastructure development, empowering human resources, economic diversification, increasing access to capital, developing community-based tourism, and increasing cooperation between stakeholders are some of the strategies that can be implemented to improve local prosperity. With these steps, it is hoped that Papua can achieve sustainable economic growth and significantly improve the welfare of its people.
Implementing these strategies requires commitment and hard work from all parties, but the results will be very meaningful for Papua’s future. As contributors, we all have an important role in supporting and overseeing economic development in Papua so that it achieves its goals.
