By: Sylvia Mote *)
Papua’s young generation is now emerging as a vital part of national development efforts. Collective awareness of their contribution is growing in line with government policies emphasizing equitable development across Indonesia. Papuan youth are no longer merely beneficiaries of policies, but have become active actors in accelerating development in the educational, economic, and social sectors.
Billy Mambrasar, a member of the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua, emphasized that President Prabowo Subianto’s message focuses on accelerating development in Papua through strategies that directly address the needs of the community. The government prioritizes improving access to education, strengthening infrastructure, and empowering the local economy so that development outcomes can be felt equitably. According to Mambrasar, development in Papua must not only be rapid but also targeted and pro-community, especially the younger generation, who are the main drivers of regional progress.
The government is now adopting a more collaborative approach. The previously instructional development model is being replaced by a participatory approach that allows communities to play an active role. Papuan youth are becoming strategic partners in policy formulation and implementation. This step aligns with efforts to strengthen regional autonomy, allowing local potential to develop without losing sight of national goals.
Education is a key focus in the agenda for accelerating human development. Many aspirations from Papuan youth highlight the importance of equitable distribution of facilities and teaching staff in remote areas. In response, the government is collaborating with education activists in Papua to develop an adaptive learning system tailored to local social and geographic conditions. This effort is part of a strategy to develop intelligent, competitive human resources capable of bringing change to their communities.
In addition to education, strengthening the local economy is also a crucial focus. Papua has significant potential in the agriculture, fisheries, and creative industries sectors, which can be managed by the younger generation. The government continues to encourage the growth of young entrepreneurs based on regional potential, including through training and access to funding. With the support of economic digitalization and the development of modern cooperatives, it is hoped that Papuan youth will be able to build productive businesses that will not only improve their own well-being but also create jobs for the surrounding community.
The spirit of togetherness in development is also reflected in various youth activities in the region. In Central Papua, the local government, along with youth organizations, initiated the Youth Parade as a forum to strengthen solidarity and synergy. The Acting Head of the Central Papua Youth and Sports Office, Jems Telenggen, explained that the activity aimed to unite various youth organizations to play an active role in provincial development. He believes that youth unity is key to successful development, as without a spirit of togetherness, the potential for social conflict can hinder progress.
Similar activities also serve to strengthen social integration. In a diverse society like Papua, strengthening intergroup relations is crucial for development to proceed smoothly. The local government views cultural and social activities involving youth as an effective means of fostering a sense of brotherhood, breaking down barriers of difference, and strengthening national consciousness among the younger generation.
Support for the role of youth has also come from the Papua Provincial Government. Papua Governor Matius Fakhiri has requested that the Indonesian National Youth Movement (KNPI) become a driving force for social reconciliation following the political upheaval in the region. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Papua KNPI Regional Leadership Council (DPD), Benyamin Gurik, stated that this year’s Youth Pledge (Sumpah Pemuda) is a starting point for strengthening solidarity among youth and restoring the spirit of unity. KNPI plans to hold educational activities and youth gatherings to foster nationalism and expand the younger generation’s contribution to regional development. The provincial government fully supports this initiative and is opening up space for youth organizations to hold the Indonesian Youth Unification Congress in Papua as a form of national consolidation.
This approach demonstrates that development is not just about infrastructure, but also about social development that strengthens public trust in the state. The government understands that successful development requires social stability, and this can only be achieved if the younger generation has a sense of responsibility and trust in the direction of national policy. By strengthening youth participation, the government strives to ensure sustainable and inclusive development in Papua.
Papua’s younger generation is now beginning to demonstrate a broader role. They are present in various fields such as education, entrepreneurship, the environment, and technology. Many of them are driving the creative economy in their regions, educators in remote areas, and even innovators developing local technology-based solutions. This change demonstrates that Papuan youth are no longer dependent on external intervention but are instead becoming part of development solutions in their own regions.
President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of equitable development finds relevance through the role of Papuan youth. Eastern Indonesia is no longer viewed as a backward region, but as a strategic region that serves as a symbol of national justice and equality. The central government believes that Papua’s progress will serve as a benchmark for Indonesia’s success in achieving comprehensive and equitable development.
The active participation of Papuan youth is proof that the spirit of nationalism remains strong in the far eastern part of Indonesia. Papuan youth recognize that national development is not solely the responsibility of the government, but a collective movement of the entire nation. With a spirit of collaboration, Papuan youth demonstrate that Indonesia’s future is determined not only by policy, but by the will of its people to progress together.
*) Social Policy Observer in Papua
