By : Mikael David Murib )*
Papua is famous for its rich natural resources and cultural diversity. The existence of Papua is the basis of the identity of the Indonesian nation, which is known as a multicultural country. Because Papua is home to 255 different ethnic groups, each with its own unique and fascinating languages, traditions and customs, which enrich Indonesia’s cultural landscape and foster national unity amidst diversity.
Apart from culture, Papua’s abundant natural resources and strategic location offer significant economic opportunities for Indonesia. Papua has abundant mineral reserves, including copper, gold and nickel, attracting investment and encouraging economic growth. Its fertile land supports agriculture, forestry and fisheries, thereby contributing to Indonesia’s food security and export potential.
The government gives special priority to the young generation of Papua in getting scholarships to university. Head of LLDIKTI The allocation of scholarship costs for Papuan students in 2024 is allocated at IDR 280 billion by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek). LLDIKTI XIV Papua also continues to encourage district/city governments in Papua to use the Special Autonomy Fund (Otsus) to support higher education scholarships for Indigenous Papuan (OAP) students. This is expected to ease the burden of financing studies until completion of college. With efforts from the center and encouragement for active regional government involvement, it is hoped that access and opportunities for higher education for Papuan students can be increased in the future.
Still in the education sector, the government also focuses on building schools, providing scholarships, and improving the quality of education. Special Autonomy Funds (Otsus) have been used to support this initiative, with an emphasis on making education more accessible to children in remote areas. The aim is to equip Papuans with the skills and knowledge needed for personal development and economic participation.
Harnessing Papua’s economic potential requires a sustainable development strategy that prioritizes local empowerment, environmental conservation, and fair distribution of resources, thereby ensuring prosperity for current and future generations.
We can see the efforts that the government has made in the era of President Jokowi’s leadership to empower Papua’s economic potential from infrastructure development. Investments have also been made to improve transportation networks, including roads, ports and airports, to facilitate the movement of goods and people within and outside the province.
The Trans-Papua Highway Project, aims to connect remote areas in Papua with urban centers, thereby increasing accessibility and connectivity. President Jokowi said that Trans-Papua development does not merely connect Papua Province with West Papua, but rather opens up isolated areas/regions and in this way can reduce costs. The presence of the Trans Papua Road also opens up local economic potential, especially tourism potential which has been hidden and has not been managed well.
The construction of ports and airports in important locations such as Jayapura and Sorong also strengthens Papua’s position as a regional trade and commerce center, attracting investment and encouraging economic growth.
According to Indonesian Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, apart from infrastructure development, human development through empowering local Papuan communities is also an important thing to pay attention to and implement as the government’s efforts to unlock economic potential in Papua. The involvement of indigenous Papuans in development action plans must be expanded to ensure that the aspirations and needs of the people of Bumi Cenderawasih are accommodated. Ma’ruf also reminded the importance of synergy between society, central and regional governments, and the private sector.
Various programs and initiatives have been implemented by the Government to increase the capacity and skills of the Papuan people, encourage entrepreneurship, and encourage inclusive economic development. Through training programs, vocational skills development, and support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the government aims to equip Papuans with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to actively participate in the economy and benefit from its growth.
Meanwhile, in the health sector, the Government has provided funding for the development of health service infrastructure, deployed more professional medical personnel, and launched health programs targeting maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and nutrition.
In conclusion, the mutually necessary and complementary relationship shows that Papua is an inseparable part of Indonesia. The Government’s efforts to embrace Papua as an integral part of Indonesia through various infrastructure development programs, human development (education, training and health), and environmental conservation underscore Indonesia’s commitment to inclusivity and pluralism among Indonesia’s diverse society.
Even though there are many challenges that must be faced, the Government remains optimistic about realizing a more just and prosperous future for the Papuan people through efforts and collaboration that always focus on inclusive and sustainable development.
)* Papuan students live in Yogyakarta
