Indonesia’s Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has been entrusted with a major task that could define the early years of the Prabowo administration: accelerating development in Papua, a region long marked by underdevelopment, complex autonomy issues, and geopolitical sensitivity.
The mandate, confirmed by senior government officials and presidential advisers, echoes the approach of Gibran’s father, former President Joko Widodo, whose decade-long administration heavily prioritized infrastructure and welfare development in Papua.
Gibran’s assignment—reportedly involving an operational presence in Papua—is seen as both symbolic and strategic. While officials have since clarified that the vice president will not permanently “office” in Papua, he is expected to regularly coordinate efforts on-site and lead high-level policy interventions.
A Legacy Continues: Jokowi’s Deep Footprint in Papua
During his presidency (2014–2024), Joko Widodo visited Papua at least 19 times—more than any Indonesian president before him. He launched a wave of major infrastructure initiatives, including:
- The Trans-Papua Road, expanding over 3,500 kilometers, connecting previously isolated districts.
- Youtefa Bridge in Jayapura, which became both an infrastructure landmark and symbol of integration.
- New airports and ports, including the Ewer and Siboru Airports, aimed at reducing regional inequality.
- Digital connectivity projects, like the Palapa Ring East, to improve internet access across remote communities.
These efforts were not merely logistical; they were political and humanitarian, aimed at affirming that Papua is an integral part of Indonesia’s national identity and future. Jokowi also initiated the Papua Youth Creative Hub and promoted local entrepreneurship through MSMEs and youth-driven innovation programs.
Yet despite these advances, challenges remain. Papua’s Human Development Index (HDI) still trails far behind the national average, and issues of governance, education quality, health disparities, and indigenous rights persist.
Gibran’s Role: More Than Symbolic?
President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to assign this sensitive portfolio to Gibran is viewed as both a strategic and political gesture. In statements released through Cabinet channels, Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law, and Security Yusril Ihza Mahendra emphasized that Gibran would directly oversee efforts to “speed up development, improve welfare, and resolve key issues in Papua.”
Though it was initially reported that Gibran would set up a working office in Papua, Yusril later clarified that the Vice President’s engagement would involve frequent visits and close coordination, rather than full-time residence.
“This is about proximity and accountability,” a senior adviser told Kompas. “Papua is not a region you can manage from Jakarta alone.”
Political Optics and Regional Trust
Papua remains one of Indonesia’s most sensitive political regions. Periodic unrest, fueled by historic grievances, economic disparity, and calls for independence among segments of the population, have plagued the central government’s relationship with local communities. For Gibran—a young vice president with limited national security experience—the assignment is both a test and an opportunity.
Political analysts suggest this could be a defining moment for Gibran, who is often seen as Prabowo’s apprentice and a political heir still crafting his own national brand.
“His performance in Papua could shape how the public views him—not just as the president’s son, but as a serious policymaker,” said Arya Fernandes, a researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Jakarta.
Stakeholder Engagement: Will It Be Inclusive?
One of the consistent critiques of past development efforts in Papua is a lack of meaningful consultation with indigenous communities. Large-scale infrastructure has often proceeded without comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments, sometimes deepening tensions on the ground.
To avoid repeating past mistakes, experts say Gibran must adopt an inclusive approach—engaging with customary leaders, youth groups, churches, women’s organizations, and local governments.
The Road Ahead: Delivering Tangible Impact
Papua’s development is not solely a matter of asphalt and concrete. It requires systemic change—transparent governance, improved education, healthcare access, respect for cultural identity, and the empowerment of local talent.
In his capacity, Gibran will likely work closely with the Papua Special Autonomy Acceleration Steering Committee (BP3OKP), a body originally chaired by former Vice President Ma’ruf Amin. The continuity of this body under the Prabowo-Gibran government suggests a sustained institutional framework.
However, what Gibran brings to the table is youth, media-savviness, and, potentially, a new form of soft diplomacy in the region—especially with younger Papuan generations.
Conclusion
Vice President Gibran’s role in Papua offers a critical opportunity to revive momentum in one of Indonesia’s most challenging yet strategically vital provinces. The move signifies a continuation—if not a reinvention—of the Jokowi-era commitment to Papua.
Yet it also presents a formidable challenge: to build trust where it has frayed, to deliver results where past efforts fell short, and to show that national development means no region is left behind.
As Gibran prepares for deeper engagement in Papua, the eyes of the nation—and of Papua’s people—are watching. Whether his tenure will mark a turning point or merely a passing chapter depends on what happens beyond the headlines.
