By: Loa Murib )*
Papua’s development is currently moving in a more substantial and sustainable direction. Under the national leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Papua’s development direction is no longer solely focused on physical infrastructure, but also emphasizes the development of superior, character-driven, and competitive human resources (HR). Investment in human resources is the golden foundation for realizing an independent, prosperous Papua that contributes to Indonesia Emas 2045.
One concrete manifestation of this commitment is evident in the various empowerment programs emerging at the grassroots level in Papuan communities. In Sorong Regency, dozens of Moi women participated in culinary training under the auspices of the Kwongke Kaban Salukh Moi Branch of Aimas. Despite its simplicity, this activity fostered a strong commitment to strengthening women’s economic capacity through productive skills. The training was not simply about learning to bake, but rather part of a long-term process of building economic independence and improving the quality of human resources for women in Southwest Papua.
The training aligns with national policy, specifically the Prabowo-Gibran administration’s Asta Cita Program, which prioritizes the development of superior human resources and strengthening the people’s economy. Through this simple yet impactful activity, Moi women are encouraged to acquire skills, build micro-enterprises, and actively participate in driving the local economy. Data from the Statistics Indonesia (BPS) of Southwest Papua (2024) shows that the MSME sector contributes more than 61 percent to the regional economy, with approximately 60 percent of this contribution driven by women. This figure demonstrates the enormous potential of women in supporting people-based economic growth in Papua.
Activities such as culinary training in Aimas represent a crucial form of social investment. Through the skilled hands of Mama Moi, traditional cakes from Southwest Papua can become high-value commodities. With the support of digital technology, these local products can be marketed more widely, creating new opportunities for regional economic growth. Furthermore, the empowerment of Moi women also serves as a symbol of equality and the strengthening of women’s roles in sustainable development.
Meanwhile, in the southern region of Papua, the South Papua Provincial Government continues to emphasize a similar commitment. The Deputy Governor of South Papua, Paskalis Imadawa, emphasized the importance of long-term investment in education and character development for the younger generation. Through collaboration with educational institutions such as SMA Plus Astha Hannas in Subang, the South Papua Provincial Government strives to produce a generation of young people who excel academically while also possessing strong character and a sense of nationalism. The scholarship program awarded to students from Merauke represents a concrete step in developing Papuan human resources ready to compete nationally and globally.
This initiative reflects the strategic view that developing Papua is not simply about building schools or roads, but about creating resilient individuals who will be the key actors in development. With strong character and spirituality, Papua’s young generation is expected to become agents of change in their own land, maintaining social harmony, and encouraging innovation and independence.
In Central Papua, Governor Meki Nawipa demonstrated a similar spirit by inaugurating the MEPA Boarding School and the Honai Training Center (HTC) in West Nabire. These two institutions are designed to foster a young generation with character, knowledge, and spirituality. MEPA Boarding School is expected to foster a generation that is intelligent and resilient in facing global challenges, while also deeply rooted in Papuan culture and noble values.
Governor Meki Nawipa’s actions reflect the recognition that education is a long-term investment, the results of which cannot be seen immediately. By establishing boarding schools focused on character building and academic excellence, Central Papua is laying a solid foundation for sustainable development. This spirituality-based education is also a hallmark of Papua’s human resource development, emphasizing not only intellectual intelligence but also moral and social skills.
These three regions (Southwest Papua, South Papua, and Central Papua) demonstrate a new face of Papuan development, anchored in human resource investment as the primary driver of progress. From empowering creative Moi women, to scholarships for disciplined South Papuan students, to establishing a leading school in Central Papua, all represent a mutually reinforcing ecosystem of human development.
The central government, along with regional governments, has understood that physical development will only be meaningful if balanced with human development. While roads, buildings, and digital infrastructure may provide access, it is people who are the primary driving force behind progress. Therefore, investing in education, skills training, and character building is a strategic step to ensure Papua not only advances economically but also achieves sovereignty in its human resources.
Within the context of the Golden Indonesia Vision 2045, Papua is expected to become a crucial pillar of national progress. With its vast natural resources and rich cultural diversity, Papua has extraordinary potential to grow into an independent and prosperous region. However, this can only be achieved if its people possess the capacity, independence, and a superior mentality.
)* The author is a Papuan student in East Java
