CENTRAL PAPUA – The government emphasized its commitment to developing Papua through a series of integrated activities in Nabire, Central Papua, on Tuesday (August 12th). The event brought together high-ranking state officials with tribal chiefs, traditional leaders, religious leaders, community leaders, youth, and representatives of organizations. The event, via online connections, also involved five other provinces in Papua, marking the simultaneous involvement of the entire region.
Carrying the theme of United Papua, Advanced Indonesia, the event was attended by the Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) General TNI (ret.) M. Herindra, Minister of Cooperatives Budi Arie Setiadi, Minister of Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration Yandri Susanto, Head of the National Nutrition Agency Dadan Hindayana, and Governor of Central Papua Meki Fritz Nawipa. The series of activities included the distribution of social assistance, free health checks, and the groundbreaking of MBG kitchens in Nabire, Jayapura, Wamena, Merauke, Sorong, and Manokwari.
Meki Fritz Nawipa believes that the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) can provide a direct economic impact on the community.
“We see MBG as having a significant multiplier effect, from increasing farmers’ incomes, empowering women as cooks, to improving children’s nutrition,” said Meki Nawipa.
The provincial government is also intensifying the TEKAD (Integrated Village Economic Transformation) program and village cooperatives to promote economic independence. Meki is optimistic that these policies will strengthen the competitiveness of Papuan villages.
Dadan Hindayana explained that 101 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) have been operating in Papua.
“We hope that every village in Papua will have a SPPG that utilizes the potential of local raw materials, managed by the local community, so that economic circulation occurs within the region itself,” Dadan Hindayana emphasized.
According to him, the SPPG not only provides healthy food but also stimulates the local agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors. Dadan aims to have all SPPGs in Papua completed by the end of October.
Yandri Susanto emphasized that the government is committed to developing Papua equitably.
“Developing villages in Papua is truly building Indonesia. The central government has never intended to neglect Papua,” concluded Yandri Susanto.
This year, Rp1.089 trillion in village funds in Central Papua are being allocated to village economic empowerment and strengthening cooperatives. The TEKAD program and the Red and White Village Cooperative are at the forefront of community empowerment.
Budi Arie Setiadi added that cooperatives in Papua will become a symbol of the people’s economic strength.
“Imagine every village in Papua having a strong cooperative that manages local potential optimally and provides direct benefits to its residents,” added Budi Arie Setiadi.
Collaboration between the central government, regional governments, and the community is the main foundation in realizing a prosperous, peaceful, and shining Papua.
