Strengthening Unity in Diversity, Papua is the Key to the Sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia
By: Rebecca Marian
Papua, with its natural wealth and cultural beauty, has become one of the important pillars in maintaining the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). As an integral part of Indonesia which is full of diversity, Papua plays a central role in strengthening the unity and diversity of the nation.
In the last decade, efforts to ensure that Papua is not just a part of the map of Indonesia, but also a center of development and social inclusion, have become a major focus of the government under the leadership of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
Since the beginning of his leadership, the Head of State has placed Papua as a national priority in terms of infrastructure development and improving welfare. With a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges facing Papua, Jokowi has taken strategic steps to integrate the region closer to the center of power, without neglecting local cultural characteristics and identities.
One of the biggest successes under President Joko Widodo’s administration has been the acceleration of infrastructure development in Papua. The Trans Papua project, which connects remote areas in the province, has opened up access that was previously difficult to reach.
The roads built allow for smoother transportation and logistics, reducing economic disparities and facilitating the distribution of basic necessities. This not only accelerates economic growth in Papua, but also reduces the isolation often felt by local communities.
In addition, the electrification program in Papua also shows the commitment of the man born in Surakarta City in creating equality. The construction of power plants and distribution of electricity networks to remote villages is a symbol of the state’s presence in previously less accessible areas. This success provides new hope for the Papuan people to participate in national development more actively.
Not only President Jokowi, but the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, KH Ma’ruf Amin also has a very high commitment to continue to support and accelerate development in Papua in order to realize equitable development and prosperity for all Indonesian people.
Meanwhile, the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Suharso Monoarfa explained that the government’s guidelines for the development of Papua, as through Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 24 of 2023, then RIPPP 2022-2041 which carries the vision of realizing an independent, just and prosperous Papua.
The three visions, the government strives by carrying out the mission of healthy, smart and productive Papua. In the development efforts, the synchronization and harmonization of planning to budgeting are very important.
In addition to physical development, President Jokowi also focuses on human resource development in Papua. Through more inclusive education programs, affirmative scholarships, and the development of local universities, the younger generation of Papua now has more opportunities to pursue higher education and contribute directly to the development of their region.
This program aims to ensure that Papua is not only seen as a region in need of assistance, but as an empowered part that contributes greatly to Indonesia’s progress.
The intensive development of Papuan human resources aims to improve the economy and welfare of the OAP community. Deputy for ASN Management Studies and Innovation, State Administration Institute (LAN), Dr. Agus Sudrajat explained that his party has a strategic step to overcome complex problems related to public services in Bumi Cenderawasih, namely by improving ASN competence.
In the last 10 years, the government under President Jokowi’s leadership has also succeeded in creating a more open dialogue between the central government and the Papuan people. The humanist approach implemented has succeeded in reducing tensions in several regions, with a focus on resolving problems through diplomacy and development, not militarization.
This is in line with the vision of the man born in 1961 to create a peaceful Indonesia, where differences in ethnicity, culture and religion are not obstacles, but rather become a strength in maintaining unity.
The success of President Jokowi’s leadership is also seen in his efforts to introduce a more dynamic special autonomy for Papua. The revision of the Special Autonomy Law passed during his leadership gave greater authority to the Papuan regional government to manage its own budget and policies.
This shows that the central government is providing more space for Papua to regulate development according to local needs, while maintaining unity within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia.
Papua, as part of Indonesia, not only has strategic value, but is also key in strengthening Indonesia’s diversity. In facing political dynamics and global challenges, Papua’s presence in the Republic of Indonesia is a symbol that Indonesia, with all its diversity, remains steadfast in maintaining unity.
In his two terms of leadership, President Jokowi has succeeded in laying a solid foundation to ensure that Papua continues to progress along with other provinces, while still respecting the unique culture and identity of the Papuan people.
With all the challenges that have been faced and the progress that has been achieved, Papua now stands as one of the main pillars in maintaining Indonesia’s sovereignty and diversity.
The success of the Head of State’s leadership in advancing Papua has not only had an impact on physical and social development, but also strengthened national unity. Papua is not just a region, but also a symbol of the strength of the Republic of Indonesia in facing a future full of challenges.
*) Students of the University of Papua (Unipa)
