In a significant gesture signaling a renewed commitment to Indonesia’s easternmost region, President Prabowo Subianto officially launched the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua on October 8, 2025. The move—symbolic and strategic—places the task of catalyzing inclusive development in Papua into the hands of a specialized, high-level task force led by Velix Vernando Wanggai, a seasoned bureaucrat with deep roots in both policy-making and the Papuan identity.
Held at the State Palace in Jakarta, the inauguration event was not just another ceremony—it was a statement of intent. After decades of underdevelopment, socio-political conflict, and economic disparity, Papua has often been described as “rich in resources, poor in access.” With this new executive committee, the government hopes to rewrite that narrative and foster a sense of belonging, equity, and participation for the Papuan people.
A Region Long Left Behind
The story of Papua is complex and layered. Despite its wealth in natural resources—ranging from gold mines to rich biodiversity—Papua remains one of Indonesia’s most underdeveloped regions. Its mountainous terrains, isolated communities, and limited infrastructure make access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and clean water a daily challenge for millions. More critically, tensions between indigenous communities and the state, often rooted in historical grievances, have created an atmosphere of distrust that complicates even the best-intentioned development efforts.
Papua’s Special Autonomy (Otonomi Khusus/Otsus), first introduced in 2001, was meant to be the solution. Billions of rupiah were poured into the region, yet results remained modest. While some urban centers saw progress, many rural and indigenous communities felt excluded. The lack of clear accountability, misaligned priorities, and inconsistent implementation created a gap between budget and impact. With this background, the establishment of a dedicated executive body to support the BP3OKP (Steering Agency for the Acceleration of Development in Special Autonomy Papua) offers a reset—a second chance to get it right.
Velix Wanggai: A Papuan Son Leading Papua’s Future
Appointed as Chairman of the committee, Velix Wanggai brings both experience and cultural fluency to the role. Born in Jayapura, Wanggai has spent much of his career crafting policies for Indonesia’s eastern regions. A former Special Staff to the President and senior official at Bappenas (National Development Planning Agency), he is known for his calm demeanor, strategic mind, and commitment to evidence-based governance. His understanding of the bureaucratic machinery, combined with his deep cultural ties, make him an ideal bridge between Jakarta and Jayapura—between top-down governance and bottom-up needs.
Wanggai’s leadership is expected to prioritize inclusion, accountability, and measurable outcomes. His vision, as outlined in his post-inauguration remarks, is not merely about roads, buildings, or numbers, but about dignity. “Development must not be something done to the people of Papua, but with them,” he said. “Our goal is to make sure no Papuan feels like a second-class citizen in their own land.”
Inside the Committee: Who’s at the Table?
The newly formed Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Papua’s Special Autonomy Development consists of ten members from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. The selection reflects the government’s intent to combine administrative expertise with cultural insight. Among the prominent names are:
- John Wempi Wetipo, former Vice Minister of Home Affairs and a figure respected for his governance work in Papua
- Paulus Waterpauw, an experienced former police general with strong ties to Papuan communities
- Ribka Haluk, a respected female leader focusing on local empowerment
- Billy Mambrasara, a young Papuan intellectual, founder Yayasan Kitong Bisa, former special staff to President and education advocate
- Johnson Estrella “Ari” Sihasale, actor and cultural ambassador representing Papuan youth
- Letgen TNI (retired) Ignatius Yoko Triyono, a former Commander of Military Regional Command (Kodam) XVIII/Cenderawasih (2020-2022)
- Letgen TNI (retired) Ali Hamdan Bogra, a former Commander of Military Regional Command (Kodam) XVIII/Cenderawasih (2020)
- John Gluba Gebze, a former of Merauke Regent (2000-2010)
- Yani
Together, they form a task force not only technically equipped to navigate bureaucratic challenges but also emotionally and culturally attuned to the needs of Papua’s people.
What Will the Committee Do Differently?
At the heart of the committee’s mission is one word: acceleration. But not acceleration at all costs—rather, inclusive acceleration that avoids the top-down pitfalls of past development schemes. The committee will serve as the operational backbone to the BP3OKP, which is chaired by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. While BP3OKP focuses on strategic direction, Wanggai’s team is tasked with execution, coordination, and community engagement.
Key priority areas include:
- Infrastructure development in remote and border areas
- Improved access to healthcare and education, especially for indigenous communities
- Capacity building and human capital investment, including scholarships and vocational training
- Promotion of indigenous rights, with emphasis on cultural preservation and land ownership
- Economic empowerment, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, and creative industries
Importantly, the committee is expected to work closely with local governments, NGOs, customary councils (Dewan Adat), and religious leaders. This multi-stakeholder approach reflects a commitment to shared ownership, something that has been largely missing from past efforts.
President Prabowo’s Vision: A National Commitment to Papua
President Prabowo’s administration has made it clear that Papua is a national priority. This committee is part of a broader vision to reduce regional disparities and reinforce national unity. During the inauguration, Prabowo called on the committee to move beyond ceremonial programs and deliver concrete results. “We must ensure that Papuans not only feel the benefits of development but are active participants in shaping it,” he declared.
Prabowo also emphasized the need for stronger alignment between national ministries and local authorities. In the past, overlapping programs, duplication of efforts, and miscommunication between agencies hindered progress. The Executive Committee is expected to serve as a central coordinator, ensuring that all stakeholders row in the same direction.
Challenges Ahead: Expectations vs. Reality
While the formation of the committee is widely welcomed, it faces daunting challenges. Years of neglect have eroded trust between local communities and government institutions. There is also the risk of political interference, corruption, and bureaucratic resistance—all common barriers in complex development environments.
Moreover, Papua’s unique geography—dominated by rugged mountains, deep forests, and limited road access—adds logistical complexity to even the most basic infrastructure projects. Add to this a young and growing population, high unemployment rates, and sporadic social unrest, and the scale of the task becomes clear.
Yet, many believe that the committee’s success will hinge not on budgets or grand infrastructure, but on trust-building and community inclusion. If the people of Papua believe that this initiative is truly for them—and with them—it could mark a turning point in the region’s long and difficult history.
A Test Case for Indonesia’s Development Future
Papua’s development is not just a local concern—it is a test of Indonesia’s national integrity. For decades, Papua has symbolized both the promise and the failure of decentralization. If the Executive Committee succeeds, it may serve as a template for participatory, localized development in other regions such as NTT, Maluku, or even Kalimantan.
International observers, donor institutions, and development experts are watching closely. The stakes are high. Failure would reinforce cynicism and deepen Papua’s alienation. Success, however, could redefine the relationship between Papua and Jakarta—and reshape Indonesia’s development model in the process.
Conclusion
The launch of the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua, led by Velix Wanggai, represents a critical opportunity to address one of Indonesia’s most persistent developmental dilemmas. With political will, strategic leadership, and community-centered design, it has the potential to not only bring prosperity to Papua but also heal old wounds and forge a new narrative of unity in diversity.
For now, the road ahead remains uncertain—but for the first time in a long while, it feels like Papua is not just being promised change—it’s being invited to lead it.
