By: Beni Yami)*
The government of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has designated Papua as one of the main priorities in the national development program. This step is part of a commitment to accelerate equitable development throughout Indonesia and address existing disparities.
One of the main steps in the development program in Papua is infrastructure development. The government has launched various major projects, including the construction of roads, bridges, and airports. These projects aim to improve connectivity between regions in Papua and connect it to other regions in Indonesia.
The Trans Papua Road is one of the projects that has received special attention. The construction of this road is designed to connect Papua from west to east, facilitate the mobility of goods and people, and reduce isolation in remote areas. This road is also expected to encourage investment and economic activity in the region.
Bridge construction is also a priority in this program. With bridges connecting small islands and areas separated by rivers, it is hoped that transportation will be smoother and more effective. This will also open up access to various natural resources and improve the distribution of agricultural products.
New airports and upgrading existing airport facilities are also part of the development plan. By increasing airport capacity, the government hopes to increase the number of flights, both domestic and international, and support tourism in Papua.
In the field of education, the government is also committed to improving the quality of education in Papua. School construction projects and improving educational facilities are a priority. This includes the provision of textbooks, teacher training, and the development of adequate school infrastructure.
The progress of infrastructure development in Papua Province has experienced very rapid development. Under the leadership of President Jokowi who continues to coordinate intensively with the Papuan regional government, various large infrastructure projects are being implemented to improve connectivity and advance the Papua region.
Head of Perum LKBN ANTARA Papua Bureau, Hendrina Dian Kandipi, explained that she considered development during President Jokowi’s era to be very massive. She said this not because President Jokowi is currently in office, when answering questions from the 2024 Papua Journalist Visit group by the Ministry of Communication and Information which carried the theme ‘Peaceful Journalism: Maintaining Friendship, Building the Country.
His views on development in Papua are based on existing facts and data, not just because of President Jokowi’s current leadership. He emphasized the importance of objectivity in media reports and the role of journalists in conveying accurate and balanced information. The theme “Peaceful Journalism: Maintaining Friendship, Building the Country” is expected to strengthen the role of the media in building harmonious relations between communities and supporting sustainable development throughout Indonesia, including in Papua.
Dian said that during the era of President Jokowi, development began to occur in various places. Office complexes were built, road access was improved, construction of the ring road was carried out by blasting hills, and government services were getting better.
This Papuan woman explained that during this government era, special markets for Papuan mothers were built, including a market for selling smoked fish and the construction of the Sentani Market. Capital assistance for Papuans has also increased, with more boats built by the local government and many scholarships given to districts, allowing Papuan children to study abroad. The provincial government also provides free health services through the Papua Health Card.
In addition, Lukas Enembe Stadium was built for PON, the government also provides facilities and infrastructure for millennial children, the Papua Youth Creative Hub (PYCH) which provides various facilities such as public speaking training and a place for young people to sell coffee.
Previously, Jayawijaya Community figure Yusen Tabuni invited all Papuan people, especially in Papua Mountains to support development in order to achieve increased Human Resources (HR) and equitable prosperity. He also invited the community not to be easily provoked by OPM provocation.
The government also continues to improve infrastructure such as concrete roads, malls that are built, and empowerment of local SMEs is also clearly visible. Malls have become hangouts for young people that are equal to young people in other areas outside Papua.
Furthermore, Hendrina Dian Kandipi emphasized the importance of paying attention to the situation in the Papua Mountains and explained that the concept of peaceful journalism needs to be applied by journalists in Papua to create a conducive news ecosystem and provide enlightenment to the public.
Developing Papua requires cooperation and collaboration across stakeholders, including media crews. Dian said that the current condition of Papua is much different compared to several decades ago, thanks to massive development in all sectors by the government, especially during the era of President Joko Widodo.
Overall, development in Papua under President Jokowi’s administration is expected to reduce development inequality and improve the quality of life of the people in the region. With various initiatives that have been launched, the government hopes to create new opportunities and strengthen social and economic integration throughout the country.
)* The author is a Malang student living in Jakarta
