When the morning sky over Manokwari glowed in soft amber hues on November 4, 2025, the arrival of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka felt almost symbolic—a young national leader landing in the heart of Papua, bringing with him the message of equality, dignity, and acceleration. Gibran’s visit was not merely ceremonial; it was a declaration that Papua is not a periphery, and certainly not a place of exile, but an inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia that deserves focused attention and inclusive progress.
A Visit Charged with Meaning: Changing the Narrative of Papua
Stepping out of the plane at Rendani Airport, Gibran was greeted by traditional dancers in colorful koteka and feathered headpieces, their rhythmic movements echoing through the humid Manokwari air. The scene was festive, but beneath it lay a serious undertone. For years, Papua has carried the stigma of being distant—geographically and emotionally—from Indonesia’s developmental heartbeat. Some even cynically referred to assignments there as “political exiles.”
Gibran confronted that stereotype head-on.
“Papua is not a place of exile or punishment,” he stated firmly. “It is a part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia that requires special attention and continuous care.”
His words, reported by Antara News, Kompas, and RRI, resonated beyond the hall where he spoke. They were an explicit rejection of any notion that Papuan posts are meant for sidelined officials or forgotten citizens.
Gibran’s statement drew applause from local figures, teachers, and community leaders in attendance. For many, it was a long-overdue acknowledgment—that Papua is not Indonesia’s backyard but rather a vital component of its identity and future.
24 New Hospitals: Turning Health Infrastructure into Hope
One of the most striking announcements during Gibran’s Manokwari visit was the construction of 24 new hospitals across Papua and West Papua. This initiative, part of President Prabowo Subianto’s national agenda, marks a decisive effort to bridge one of Indonesia’s deepest inequalities: access to quality healthcare.
For decades, many Papuans have had to travel to Sulawesi or Java for medical treatment. In his speech, Gibran underscored how unacceptable that situation had become.
“From now on, no Papuan should have to seek medical care outside their homeland. We will build hospitals that meet national standards, staffed by competent specialists, right here in Papua.”
According to government plans, these 24 hospitals will be distributed strategically to serve both coastal and highland areas—from Jayapura to Wamena and from Sorong to Nabire. Each facility will include advanced diagnostic equipment, maternal and child health units, trauma centers, and telemedicine connectivity to larger hospitals in eastern Indonesia.
This project aligns with the establishment of two special institutions—the BP3OKP (Steering Body for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua) and KEP2OKP (Executive Committee for Papua Development)—tasked with ensuring that health and infrastructure programs move twice as fast as before.
“Papua cannot wait,” Gibran said. “Our people here deserve the same healthcare quality as in Jakarta or Surabaya.”
By transforming healthcare access, the government hopes to improve key indicators—from reducing maternal mortality to tackling stunting, which remains high in several Papuan districts. The 24-hospital program thus symbolizes not only bricks and mortar but also trust and equity—an investment in human dignity.
Guarding the Special Autonomy Fund: Accountability for Every Rupiah
Beyond infrastructure, Gibran’s visit focused heavily on one critical issue: the Special Autonomy Fund (Dana Otsus). Introduced in 2001, this fund was designed to accelerate development and empowerment in Papua. Yet, for years, questions have lingered about its effectiveness, transparency, and accountability.
In meetings with local leaders, including tribal elders and religious figures, Gibran delivered a clear directive:
“The Special Autonomy Fund must not be wasted. It must be used efficiently, transparently, and with real impact for the people.”
He urged community figures to actively monitor the distribution and use of Otsus funds, ensuring that allocations for education, healthcare, and economic empowerment truly reach the grassroots level.
This approach mirrors his father, President Joko Widodo’s governance ethos, but carries Gibran’s youthful emphasis on data-driven policy. “Development must be based on valid local data,” he said. “Every rupiah must translate into measurable improvements in the lives of Papuans.”
The Vice President also invited Papuan youth and local civil society organizations to participate in this process. Empowerment, he argued, should not come solely from Jakarta but must involve active guardianship from within Papua itself. By doing so, the government hopes to transform Otsus from a static budget mechanism into a living instrument of justice and progress.
Papua as Indonesia’s Pride, Not Its Periphery
At the heart of Gibran’s message was a deeper, emotional appeal—to change how Indonesians view Papua.
“I reject any notion that Papua is a place for those cast away,” he declared during his dialogue session in Manokwari. “Papua is Indonesia’s pride—rich in culture, natural resources, and human potential. It is not a place to be forgotten, but a place to be celebrated.”
The statement struck a chord not only among Papuans but also across social media, where hashtags like #PapuaAdalahKita (Papua Is Us) trended briefly following his visit.
Gibran’s outreach extended beyond formal speeches. He played football with local children, visited traditional markets, and even shopped for oranges, sweet corn, and fish at Pasar Wosi—gestures that may seem simple but carried profound symbolism. To many locals, it was proof that the vice president was not there merely to inspect but to connect.
“When leaders come and touch our hands, it means they see us,” said Yuliana Mandacan, a vegetable vendor in Manokwari. “For us, that matters as much as new roads or hospitals.”
Empowering Local Economies: Growth from the Ground Up
In addition to healthcare and governance, Gibran also spotlighted local economic potential. During his visits to small enterprises and schools, he encouraged the development of Papua’s unique products—from coffee and cocoa to sago, marine fisheries, and handicrafts.
He emphasized that Papua’s growth must not depend solely on extractive industries like mining but on community-based economies that empower local families.
“We must help Papuans to produce, not just consume,” he said. “When we buy Papuan products, we are not giving charity—we are building prosperity.”
Programs promoting agricultural modernization, microcredit for women entrepreneurs, and vocational training for youth are expected to be integrated into the next phase of Otsus spending. The vice president underscored that inclusive development requires balancing physical infrastructure with human capital investment—a lesson Indonesia continues to learn across its vast archipelago.
Challenges and Hopes Ahead
While optimism filled the air during the visit, Gibran did not downplay the challenges. Building 24 hospitals in Papua’s mountainous terrain is a formidable logistical task. Supply chains are fragile, electricity remains inconsistent in remote districts, and the shortage of specialist doctors is a persistent problem.
Moreover, ensuring clean and transparent use of Otsus funds will require political will, community vigilance, and technological reform. Gibran proposed digital monitoring systems to track fund distribution, making it easier for citizens and auditors to detect misuse.
Still, his confidence remained visible. “We can do this if we work together—government, local leaders, and the people,” he said, echoing his father’s inclusive tone but with the directness of a new generation.
Conclusion
As Gibran departed from Manokwari, the crowd that had gathered to see him off waved small red-and-white flags. For many, his words—“Papua is Indonesia’s pride”—lingered long after his convoy disappeared into the distance.
The visit marked not just a bureaucratic checkpoint but a generational moment. For the first time in years, the people of Papua heard a young national leader speak to them not as subjects of development, but as partners in progress.
If Gibran’s promises—24 hospitals, efficient Otsus management, and dignified inclusion—are realized, they could redefine Papua’s place within the Indonesian story. No longer as a distant frontier, but as a living testament to the nation’s unity in diversity.
As the Vice President himself said:
“Papua is not far away. It is close to our hearts. The challenge is not geography but empathy. If we move together, Papua’s light will illuminate all of Indonesia.”