Support from Traditional Leaders and Tribal Chiefs, Key to Accelerating Development in Papua
By: Loa Murib
Conditions in Papua in recent years have shown increasingly positive changes. Various regions in Papua, from Highlands Papua to West Papua, now enjoy a safe, peaceful, and conducive climate. This stability did not emerge spontaneously, but rather is the result of synergy between the government, security forces, and the active role of traditional leaders and tribal chiefs, who serve as role models for the community. Their support is the main foundation for accelerating development in the Land of the Birds of Paradise.
In Yalimo Regency, Highlands Papua, the role of traditional leaders like Musa Yare is clear evidence of the crucial role local leadership plays in maintaining peace. He encourages the community to remain united, rejects all forms of provocation, and prioritizes the values of deliberation and mutual cooperation as a cultural heritage that must be preserved. The Yalimo community’s collective awareness of living in peace has now borne tangible results: social and economic activities are running smoothly, and community participation in regional development has increased significantly.
A similar atmosphere is also evident in Jayapura. The Jayapura City Government, along with the ondoafi (leaders) from 14 villages, are committed to strengthening collaboration with indigenous communities to maintain security and promote development. Ondoafi, such as Nicolas Youwe from Kayo Pulau Village, also emphasized the importance of loving the city by maintaining order and peace. This reflects the growing maturity of indigenous communities in Jayapura in their thinking and actions, and their understanding that security and stability are essential for regional progress.
Meanwhile, in West Papua, Governor Dominggus Mandacan emphasized the importance of synergy between the government, traditional leaders, and the community in maintaining regional stability. He urged all elements of society to ensure security remains intact, especially during important events such as working visits by state officials. This collective commitment demonstrates that West Papua is now ready to host various national and international events thanks to the maintained conducive environment. This strong stability also opens up opportunities for the development of community economic activities, from cultural festivals to MSME exhibitions, which have run smoothly and successfully.
From among the youth, support has emerged, strengthening the spirit of unity. Tanah Tabi Youth Leader, Suriel Carlos A. Taurui, expressed his appreciation for the hard work of security forces through Operation Peace Carstensz, which has successfully created a sense of security in various regions. He assessed that the presence of security forces not only provides peace but also creates space for communities to focus on productive activities such as education, trade, and agriculture. He stated that the younger generation of Papua now has a significant responsibility to become pioneers of peace and active partners in development.
Support for government programs is also growing at the grassroots level. Simon Kosay, the Chief of the Mountainous Tribe in Keerom Regency, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Central Mountains Family Harmony (RKPT), demonstrated a strong commitment to the successful implementation of various flagship government programs. In a socialization event attended by traditional leaders from the Central Mountains, he emphasized the importance of supporting strategic programs such as the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), the Red and White Cooperative, People’s Schools, and National Food Self-Sufficiency. These programs are considered to have significant benefits in improving community welfare, strengthening the local economy, and providing access to education for children in mountainous regions.
Simon Kosay also emphasized that security is a primary prerequisite for successful development. He reminded that without a safe and peaceful situation, various government programs would not run optimally. Therefore, he called on all people of the Central Highlands to maintain order, strengthen brotherhood, and avoid all forms of conflict that could hinder progress. This commitment was jointly agreed upon in a prayer and the signing of a declaration of support for all central government programs.
The central government’s attention to Papua’s development under President Prabowo Subianto has also received widespread appreciation from indigenous communities. Yerisiam community leader Sabena Inggerui assessed that infrastructure development, support for the local economy, and the provision of religious facilities demonstrate the government’s commitment to developing Papua comprehensively. He believes these steps not only improve the community’s standard of living but also strengthen the bond between the central government and indigenous communities in the region.
This positive support was further strengthened by a statement by Papuan community leader Denny Alverth Wafumilena, who highlighted the importance of synergy between the community and security forces in maintaining order. He emphasized that securityPeace and development are interrelated. Stability is the foundation for sustainable development and a real impact on the people’s welfare.
Papua is now moving into a new chapter. Safe and harmonious conditions provide a solid foundation for accelerated development in various sectors, from the economy and education to health and culture. Traditional leaders and tribal chiefs play a strategic role as guardians of local wisdom and bridges between the government and the community. They are not only cultural symbols but also driving forces in realizing a Papua that is advanced, independent, and competitive.
The success of development in Papua proves that progress is determined not only by government policies but also by the active involvement of indigenous communities in maintaining peace and supporting development programs. The spirit of mutual cooperation, unity, and love of the homeland demonstrated by traditional leaders is invaluable social capital. With solid cooperation between the government, security forces, traditional leaders, and the community, Papua now looks to a brighter future—a future where peace and progress go hand in hand, leading to sustainable prosperity for all Papuans.
*The author is a Papuan student in East Java
