PAPUA – President Joko Widodo’s administration has won strong public support for its efforts to accelerate infrastructure development and promote peace in Papua.
Since taking office as President of the Republic of Indonesia in 2014, the leader of the nation born in Surakarta has focused on equitable development throughout Indonesia, including in the region nicknamed Little Paradise at the tip of Indonesia.
This effort is not only evident in the various large infrastructure projects that have been completed, but also in the government’s approach to creating sustainable peace in Papua. According to the Head of the National News Agency Antara Papua Bureau, Hendrina Dian Kandipi, infrastructure development in Papua Province has progressed massively during the leadership of President Jokowi, who has been in office since 2014.
The Trans Papua Road, which is now one of the major projects in the region, has facilitated access between areas that were previously difficult to reach and this development has had a positive impact on the local economy by increasing the mobility of goods and services and in addition, other infrastructure projects such as:
- Airport construction,
- Ports,
- Telecommunication Facilities
Continuing to encourage the integration of Papua with other regions in Indonesia, in addition to infrastructure, the issue of peace in Papua is also an important focus for President Joko Widodo and the approach taken to create peace in the region nicknamed the Little Paradise in Eastern Indonesia is not only physical development, but also involves active dialog with various stakeholders.
Acting Governor of Papua Mountains Velix Vernando Wanggai, revealed that the Government through Vice President Ma’ruf Amin had held a meeting with human rights activists to discuss the acceleration of development and sustainable peace in Papua, in this meeting signaling the Government’s commitment to ensuring the stability and welfare of the people in the region.
Senior West Papuan figure Ismail Sirfefa, assesses that the non-violent approach adopted by the Government is an effective strategy in resolving conflicts in Papua and this policy is different from past approaches which often involved repressive actions.
The government, under the leadership of President Jokowi, prefers a humanist and dialogical approach and this approach is considered capable of bridging differences and creating more sustainable solutions for the Papuan people.
With the active involvement of the community, the Government’s peace efforts have shown significant results, creating conditions more conducive to development. Major infrastructure projects currently underway have also played an important role in creating peaceful conditions in Bumi Cenderawasih and the construction of bridges and roads in remote areas opened up previously isolated access, facilitating the distribution of aid and Government services.
Improved access to education and health services reinforces the Government’s efforts to improve the quality of life of Papuans and reflects President Jokowi’s long-term vision of creating equitable prosperity across Indonesia.
The acceleration of infrastructure development in the Papua region not only provides economic benefits, but also serves as a means to strengthen the identity and sense of pride of the Papuan people as an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
The infrastructure projects undertaken in Papua so far have successfully connected various regions:
- Difficult to reach,
- Reducing inter-regional disparities,
- Increase community access to wider resources.
Apart from physical development, efforts to create peace have also shown significant progress. A more humanist and collaborative approach to resolving conflicts in Papua has been well received by local communities.
The government continues to encourage dialogue and reconciliation to strengthen the State’s presence through development and public services and this success is a tangible manifestation of President Jokowi’s commitment to creating a peaceful and prosperous Papua, where development and peace go hand in hand.
The public support that continues to flow for Jokowi also reflects the public’s trust in his policies and under the leadership of President Jokowi, the Government has succeeded in proving that infrastructure development and peace are not two separate things, but are interrelated and the Papuan people are increasingly benefiting from equitable development and while efforts to create peace continue to show positive results on the ground.
With the full support of the public, the Government continues to be committed to realizing a more developed, prosperous, and peaceful Papua, while ensuring that development in the region is sustainable. This success is not only a concrete proof of President Jokowi’s dedication to Papua, but also an important part of the great effort to strengthen national unity.
