Papua — The enthusiasm of Papuan youth is growing inexorably stronger in driving progress and development in the Land of the Bird of Paradise. The 97th Youth Pledge Day commemoration serves as a reminder that Papuan youth play a crucial role as drivers of change and guardians of national unity in Indonesia’s far east.
Billy Mambrasar, a member of the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua, conveyed President Prabowo Subianto’s strong message regarding the government’s commitment to accelerating development in Papua. He emphasized that equitable development in the eastern region is a top priority, with a focus on education, infrastructure, and local economic empowerment.
“Mr. Prabowo advised that development in Papua must not only be rapid, but also targeted and pro-community. Papuan youth must be the main actors, not mere spectators,” Billy said.
He added that the government is committed to involving young people in every stage of development, whether as professionals, entrepreneurs, or community leaders. “This demonstrates the collaborative approach, as directed by the President, to actively involve Papuan youth in Papua’s development,” Billy concluded.
Papua Governor Matius Fakhiri expressed a similar commitment, emphasizing the importance of youth in maintaining unity following the political contestation. In an audience with the Papuan Regional Leadership Council (DPD) of the Indonesian National Movement for the Poor (KNPI) in his office in Jayapura, he emphasized that the energy of Papuan youth needs to be directed toward strengthening solidarity and supporting the direction of regional development over the next five years.
“KNPI must be the main driving force for youth reconciliation throughout the region, including the nine regencies and cities. Papuan youth must unite for regional progress,” Matius Fakhiri emphasized.
The Governor also ensured that the regional government fully supports youth organization activities and initiatives, particularly those that encourage creativity and innovation among the younger generation in the economic and social sectors. He believes the role of youth as a bridge between the government and the community is crucial to accelerating Papua’s transformation toward prosperity.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Papua KNPI Regional Leadership Council (DPD), Benyamin Gurik, emphasized that the commemoration of the Youth Pledge (Sumpah Pemuda) is an important momentum to strengthen the spirit of togetherness among the younger generation.
“We see this Youth Pledge as the right time to rekindle togetherness. After a long period of political dynamics, now is the time for youth to unite,” said Benyamin.
He added that KNPI Papua will hold youth rallies, educational activities, and cultural festivals as a forum to foster pride and love for Papua. This program will also strengthen collaboration with local governments so that all youth activities align with the province’s development vision. “The Governor’s direction is clear: KNPI is asked to lead reconciliation efforts down to the district and city levels,” continued Benyamin.
The synergy between the government and youth is expected to produce a resilient, productive, and highly competitive generation of Papuans. Through this collaboration, the Land of the Birds of Paradise will not only become a symbol of Indonesia’s natural beauty but also a center of progress and inspiration for young people across the archipelago.
