In the vast eastern frontier of Indonesia, Papua has long carried a unique cultural identity, immense natural resources, and a complex developmental history. For decades, this region remained geographically isolated and economically behind many other provinces in the archipelago. However, over the past year—since the inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka in October 2024—Papua has been quietly but steadily entering a new phase of attention and transformation. Through consistent engagement, strategic policy implementation, and targeted programs, the first year of this administration has marked significant developments aimed at reshaping Papua’s future.
Presence and Participation: Frequent High-Level Visits to Papua
One of the most visible indicators of change has been the recurring visits by President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran to Papua. Unlike past practices where such visits were infrequent, the new administration has made it a point to ensure that the highest levels of government maintain a strong presence in the region. These visits have taken place not only in provincial capitals such as Jayapura and Merauke but also in more remote districts, reflecting an approach that values direct engagement with local communities.
The frequency of these visits has had a tangible impact on both policy oversight and local morale. Infrastructure projects, education initiatives, and food security programs have been monitored firsthand by national leaders, which has helped accelerate progress on the ground. For many Papuans, this level of attention represents more than symbolism; it reinforces the idea that their voices are being heard and their region prioritized in the national development agenda.
Connecting the Land: Infrastructure Development Across the Archipelago’s Edge
Papua’s mountainous terrain, vast rainforests, and dispersed population centers have historically posed immense challenges to development. Over the past year, infrastructure has emerged as a cornerstone of the national strategy for addressing this isolation. Roads that connect previously inaccessible areas are being paved, while bridges, airstrips, and seaports are being improved to enhance mobility and trade.
These developments have had an immediate impact on local communities. Villages that were once cut off during the rainy season are now within reach of medical assistance and school access year-round. Farmers can bring their produce to market more easily, and logistics chains have become more reliable. The aim is not only to connect regions but also to stimulate local economies, reduce prices of goods, and strengthen service delivery. For Papua, these connections represent the first step toward inclusive growth.
A Coordinated Approach: Establishing the Papua Development Acceleration Committee
To ensure that development in Papua is coordinated and efficient, the government has introduced a new institutional mechanism: the Committee for the Acceleration of Papua Development. This body brings together representatives from national ministries, provincial governments, and local stakeholders to streamline planning, budgeting, and implementation of development programs.
The committee functions as a central point of coordination to avoid duplication, improve accountability, and accelerate project completion. With infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development initiatives often spanning multiple agencies, the committee ensures that goals are aligned, timelines are met, and resources are distributed effectively.
Ownership and Equity: Freeport Divestment and Papua Tengah’s Role
One of the most significant moves in the first year of the Prabowo–Gibran administration was the continuation of Indonesia’s efforts to increase national and regional ownership in the mining giant PT Freeport Indonesia. In a landmark step, efforts have been made to raise the shareholding to 63% beginning 2041 in favor of the Indonesian government and its local partners—with a major portion directed toward Papua Tengah, the province that hosts Freeport’s massive Grasberg mine.
This shift is not only a matter of fiscal equity but also of participation. With the provincial and district governments receiving larger shares of Freeport’s profit distribution, local budgets have grown substantially. These funds are being allocated to build roads, schools, and clinics—empowering local administrations to decide on their own development priorities.
For the communities surrounding the mine, this sense of ownership is a meaningful change. It reinforces the idea that Papua is not just a resource-rich frontier but an equal partner in managing and benefiting from its own wealth. In the long run, this model could inspire similar arrangements across other sectors and regions in Indonesia.
Feeding the Future: Food Estate Development in Southern Papua
In the southern plains of Papua, particularly in Merauke, a bold vision is taking root: turning Papua into a national agricultural hub. Through the food estate program, thousands of hectares of land are being prepared for cultivation, with the goal of improving food self-sufficiency, lowering food prices, and creating employment opportunities for local residents.
The food estate program involves the introduction of modern farming techniques, irrigation systems, and support for local farmers through tools, training, and access to markets. While the program is still expanding, early efforts have focused on growing rice, corn, and other staple crops in areas that had previously seen limited agricultural investment.
By transforming arable land into productive farmland, the program seeks not only to reduce Indonesia’s reliance on food imports but also to enhance food security in eastern Indonesia. For southern Papua, this initiative represents a major shift in land use and economic opportunity—bringing agriculture back into focus as a core engine of growth.
This approach also allows local leaders and civil society actors in Papua to engage more directly with national policy decisions, building stronger lines of communication and fostering mutual understanding between Jakarta and Papua.
Healthy Foundations: Free Nutritious Meal Program in Papua
Health and education are closely intertwined, and one of the government’s flagship social programs—the Free Nutritious Meal initiative (Makan Bergizi Gratis)—bridges both. Launched to improve child nutrition and school attendance, the program provides daily meals to students in public schools across Papua.
These meals are tailored to meet local dietary needs, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients where possible. The program does more than just feed children—it also supports local farmers and food producers by creating stable demand for their products. In regions where malnutrition has been a persistent concern, this initiative is a step toward ensuring that every child has the energy and focus to learn, grow, and thrive.
In schools across Papua, the impact is already visible. Teachers report better concentration and attendance, while parents welcome the financial relief. Over time, improved nutrition is expected to yield better educational outcomes and long-term health benefits.
Community Health and Medical Outreach: Free Check-Ups for Indigenous Papuans
Health remains a fundamental pillar of Papua’s development. Over the past year, one of the more human-centered initiatives introduced in the region is the provision of free medical check-ups for Indigenous Papuans, particularly in remote areas where access to healthcare services is limited. Mobile clinics, staffed by doctors, nurses, and community health workers, have begun traveling to isolated villages, offering general health screenings, maternal care, immunizations, and disease prevention services. In highland areas where hospitals are hours or even days away by road or footpath, these visits are often the only source of formal healthcare for entire communities.
The medical outreach programs are not only focused on treatment but also on education. Health workers provide guidance on nutrition, sanitation, and early disease detection, ensuring that Indigenous families are better equipped to care for themselves. In many cases, these clinics also work closely with local traditional leaders, respecting cultural practices while introducing modern medical knowledge. For communities historically underserved by public health systems, these free check-ups represent a vital step toward equity and well-being—improving lives, one visit at a time.
Education for All: Sekolah Rakyat and Sekolah Garuda Initiatives
Recognizing the disparities in education across remote parts of Indonesia, the Prabowo–Gibran administration has rolled out innovative school models tailored to Papua’s unique conditions. Two notable initiatives—Sekolah Rakyat and Sekolah Garuda—are designed to address educational inequality by building community-oriented schools that are accessible, adaptable, and culturally responsive.
Sekolah Rakyat (People’s Schools) are created in areas where formal education infrastructure is lacking. These schools use flexible teaching methods, local educators, and community participation to ensure that children receive basic education even in hard-to-reach villages. On the other hand, Sekolah Garuda (Garuda Schools) serve as model institutions in larger districts, providing quality education with modern facilities, boarding options, and pathways to higher learning.
Together, these programs aim to increase literacy, reduce dropout rates, and provide the foundations for long-term social mobility. For Papuan children, these schools represent not only a place to learn but also a pathway to opportunities previously out of reach.
Building on the Foundation: Renewed Commitment to Special Autonomy
At the heart of Papua’s evolving relationship with the central government is the Special Autonomy (Otonomi Khusus, or Otsus) framework—a legal foundation that grants the region specific political, fiscal, and administrative privileges. In the first year of the Prabowo–Gibran administration, this commitment to special autonomy has been re-emphasized through expanded budget allocations, capacity-building for local institutions, and the strengthening of regional policymaking authority.
Under the current phase of Otsus, Papua receives a dedicated transfer of funds from the national budget, aimed at sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and empowerment of Indigenous Papuans. The government has also expressed its intent to work more closely with provincial and local governments to ensure that these funds are used effectively and transparently. There is a growing focus on giving Indigenous communities greater influence over decisions that affect their lives—from land use to economic development strategies. In practice, this renewed commitment to Otsus is about reinforcing Papua’s unique place within Indonesia’s national fabric while respecting its cultural, social, and political distinctiveness.
Conclusion
As Papua continues its journey of transformation, the first year of the Prabowo–Gibran administration has laid down early building blocks for lasting progress. With improved infrastructure, greater regional ownership of natural resources, enhanced food security efforts, and expanded access to education and health, the region is steadily moving toward a more inclusive future.
The focus remains on empowering Papuans—through roads that connect communities, schools that educate the next generation, meals that nurture young minds, and economic programs that offer dignity and opportunity. The vision is not simply one of development measured by statistics but of human progress reflected in everyday life: in the ease of a farmer getting his goods to market, in the joy of a child walking to a nearby school, and in the pride of a local leader investing in his community’s future.
As Indonesia moves forward, Papua stands as a testament to what sustained focus and inclusive policy can achieve. A new chapter is being written—one that places Papua not on the margins, but at the heart of the nation’s shared story.