When Indonesia’s Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka announced his first official visit to South Papua, the news was met with a mix of anticipation and symbolism. For many, the trip is not only about administrative duties or development programs—it represents the continuity of a long-standing national commitment to uplift Papua, as well as the personal legacy of his father, former President Joko Widodo, who devoted much of his leadership to bridging the gap between Papua and the rest of Indonesia.
The visit, scheduled for mid-September 2025, will bring Gibran to Merauke, the capital of South Papua (Papua Selatan) Province. According to official statements from the vice president’s office, the agenda includes meeting local leaders, monitoring infrastructure projects, and discussing strategies for improving welfare in one of Indonesia’s most geographically remote but culturally significant regions.
A Historic Follow-Up Visit
This will be Gibran’s first working visit to South Papua since taking office on 20 October 2024, after cancelling his visit in mid-January 2025 because of another urgent state agenda.In Indonesia’s political landscape, visits by a top official to Papua have often been rare, signaling that the region is being given serious national priority.
Local media outlets, including BeritaSatu and RRI Papua, have reported that Gibran’s visit aims to consolidate government programs and ensure that the promises made during the previous administration under Jokowi do not fade with the change of leadership to the Prabowo Subianto’s administration.
“Papua Selatan is not just another region; it is a test of the government’s sincerity in ensuring that development is inclusive,” one analyst told ABC Indonesia. “The fact that Gibran is showing continuity is significant, especially when seen through the lens of his father’s legacy.”
Continuing Jokowi’s Vision for Papua
Former President Joko Widodo’s deep involvement with Papua is widely recognized. During his two terms (2014-2019 and 2019-2024), Jokowi made 13 official trips to Papua, more than any of his predecessors. He inaugurated roads, ports, and airports, pushed for the Trans-Papua highway, and championed special autonomy funds. His vision was clear: Papua should not be left behind in the march of national progress.
Gibran’s first trip to South Papua thus carries heavy symbolic weight. As Jokowi’s eldest son, he is seen as the political heir tasked with carrying forward a vision of inclusive development. Observers note that Gibran is deliberately positioning himself not only as vice president but also as a bridge between his father’s enduring legacy and the new administration’s agenda, President Prabowo Subianto.
“By coming to South Papua so early in his tenure, Gibran is reinforcing the message that Jokowi’s commitment to Papua was not just personal but institutional,” said a political scientist from Universitas Gadjah Mada.
The Strategic Importance of South Papua
South Papua, officially established as a new province in 2022, occupies a crucial role in Indonesia’s geopolitical and socio-economic landscape. Bordering Papua New Guinea and sitting at the crossroads of the Pacific, the region is rich in natural resources yet grapples with high poverty rates, limited access to health care, and logistical challenges due to its vast territory.
Merauke, the provincial capital, has long been identified as a food-security hub for Indonesia. Its vast plains are suitable for large-scale rice and corn production, making it central to Jakarta’s efforts to reduce dependence on food imports. At the same time, the province holds potential for renewable energy projects, fisheries, and cross-border trade.
For Gibran, addressing South Papua’s development challenges is not only about fulfilling national promises but also about tapping into opportunities that could help Indonesia’s broader economic resilience.
Building Trust Through Presence
For decades, Papua has been at the heart of Indonesia’s complex political, cultural, and security debates. Separatist tensions, socio-economic disparities, and feelings of marginalization have shaped perceptions of Jakarta’s policies. Against this backdrop, the personal presence of national leaders carries profound meaning.
During Jokowi’s presidency, direct engagement with Papuans—listening to grievances, inaugurating projects, and building trust—was considered one of the cornerstones of his Papua policy. Gibran appears to be adopting a similar approach.
“Development is not only about physical infrastructure; it’s about building emotional bridges,” said Ali Kabiay, a young Papuan leader, in a recent local commentary. “When leaders come and stay, when they listen and interact, it shows sincerity. Gibran’s visit is expected to do just that.”
The Policy Agenda: Welfare, Energy, and Connectivity
While symbolism is important, concrete programs are what ultimately matter to the people. Based on information released by Antara News and the Merauke City Government, Gibran’s itinerary will highlight three main areas:
1. Welfare Programs
Gibran is expected to meet with local communities to review social welfare initiatives, including education scholarships, healthcare accessibility, and nutrition programs aimed at reducing stunting.
2. Energy Development
One of the core agendas is the potential for renewable energy projects, including solar and biofuel initiatives. These projects aim to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and lower household energy costs in remote villages.
3. Connectivity and Infrastructure
From roads to digital networks, the government continues to emphasize that connecting Papua with the rest of Indonesia is vital. Gibran’s trip will involve monitoring progress on the Merauke port and evaluating the expansion of internet access across rural areas.
Balancing Local Aspirations and National Policy
A recurring challenge for Jakarta has been aligning national development blueprints with the aspirations of Papuan communities. While infrastructure projects are welcomed, concerns about inclusivity, cultural respect, and sustainability often arise.
Experts argue that Gibran’s youth and relatively fresh approach to politics may help bridge the generational gap. “Unlike traditional political figures, Gibran has the chance to connect with young Papuans, entrepreneurs, and students,” said an observer from CNBC Indonesia. “That connection could prove vital in making national programs resonate locally.”
A Legacy in the Making
Joko Widodo’s years of engaging with Papua laid the foundation. But for Gibran, the challenge is to ensure that Papua does not feel forgotten under a new administration. His first visit to South Papua underscores his awareness of this responsibility.
By carrying forward his father’s mission, Gibran is crafting his own narrative: one that blends continuity with innovation. If Jokowi was remembered as the president who tirelessly visited Papua, Gibran may seek to be remembered as the leader who ensured those visits translated into long-term transformation.
International and Regional Implications
Papua’s development is not only a domestic concern but also has international dimensions. South Papua shares a border with Papua New Guinea, and stability in the region affects bilateral relations, cross-border trade, and security cooperation.
International observers, including those from Australia and the Pacific Islands, often watch Jakarta’s policies in Papua as indicators of Indonesia’s commitment to human rights and equitable development. Gibran’s presence and the programs he champions will inevitably contribute to shaping that narrative.
The Road Ahead
As Gibran prepares for his first visit to South Papua, expectations are high. The trip is more than just another entry on the Vice President’s calendar—it is a moment that encapsulates Indonesia’s ongoing struggle and determination to close the development gap, strengthen national unity, and honor the promises made to one of its most diverse regions.
For the people of Papua, particularly in Merauke, the visit symbolizes recognition and hope. For Indonesia as a whole, it underscores the belief that progress is measured not by how far Jakarta advances but by how inclusively every corner of the archipelago moves forward together.
In the years to come, whether Gibran succeeds in turning symbolism into substance will determine not only his political legacy but also the trajectory of Papua’s place within the Republic. As history has shown, presence matters—and in the story of Papua, Gibran Rakabuming Raka is stepping into a role that could define both his career and his father’s enduring vision.
Conclusion
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s upcoming first visit to South Papua is more than a ceremonial trip—it is a reaffirmation of Indonesia’s long-term commitment to ensuring equitable development in its easternmost regions. By following in the footsteps of his father, former President Joko Widodo and represent of President Prabowo Subianto, Gibran seeks to transform symbolism into tangible progress through welfare programs, energy initiatives, and stronger connectivity.
For Papua, the visit signals that the government continues to listen, invest, and engage. For Indonesia, it reinforces the principle that true national growth is measured by inclusivity, where even the most distant provinces are part of the journey toward prosperity. Ultimately, Gibran’s mission will be judged not only by his presence in Papua but by how effectively he turns promises into lasting transformation.
