On a warm September morning in 2025, the people of South Papua awoke to an unusual buzz of anticipation. Streets near schools and health centers were tidied, markets arranged, and children whispered excitedly about a special visitor. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the second-highest official in Indonesia, received more than just a simple greeting upon his arrival in Merauke. For many Papuans, his presence was a rare acknowledgment that their lives, their schools, and their health mattered deeply to the central government.
This was not an ordinary ceremonial trip. Over two days, 16–17 September 2025, Gibran’s itinerary brought him face-to-face with schoolchildren, mothers with infants, traditional market vendors, and health workers. Each stop painted a vivid picture of both progress and persistent challenges in South Papua. The journey was not only about official programs like Makan Bergizi Gratis (Free Nutritious Meals), Pemeriksaan Kesehatan Gratis (Free Health Checkups), and Cek Kesehatan Gratis (Free Health Screenings). It was about listening, learning, and showing that the country’s youngest vice president could be a bridge between Indonesia’s distant center of power and its often-overlooked eastern frontier.
A Warm Welcome to Merauke.
The Vice President’s plane touched down at Mopah Airport in Merauke, where he was welcomed by local leaders, including Vice Governor Paskalis Imadawa, regional officials, and security officers. The welcome was modest but heartfelt. People lined the roadside, waving, some holding small Indonesian flags. Unlike many high-profile state visits that begin and end with protocol, Gibran’s first instinct was to mingle. He shook hands, exchanged greetings in a mix of Indonesian and local phrases, and smiled easily—a gesture that made an impression on many bystanders.
From the airport, the convoy headed straight to SMP Negeri Gudang Arang, where the Makan Bergizi Gratis program was being implemented. Here, children received not only academic lessons but also nutritious meals to support their health and learning. For Merauke’s young students, the arrival of a national leader in their modest schoolyard was a moment to remember. Teachers prepared classrooms, while students rehearsed what they might say if the vice president asked about the meals. Some admitted to being nervous, but most were simply excited to be seen.
Programs That Touch Everyday Lives
At the heart of Gibran’s trip were three flagship social programs.
The first, MBG (Makan Bergizi Gratis), is a school feeding initiative designed to combat malnutrition and stunting. Papua has long struggled with high rates of childhood undernutrition, which directly affects education outcomes. By providing balanced meals, the program aims to ensure children are healthier, more focused, and more likely to stay in school.
The vice president asked children about their favorite meals, even tasting samples from the kitchen. Teachers explained that attendance had risen since MBG started because children were motivated to come to school not just for learning but also for a reliable meal. For many families, especially those with limited income, the program lightens a heavy burden.
The second initiative, PKG (Pemeriksaan Kesehatan Gratis), focuses on providing free health checkups at community clinics, or puskesmas. At Puskesmas Harapan in Jayapura, Gibran met mothers cradling babies in their arms, waiting for immunizations and consultations. Nurses proudly explained how the program helped detect illnesses early and supported maternal health. Since its launch in April 2025, thousands had benefited, but health workers admitted they still faced shortages of equipment and staff. Gibran listened carefully, noting their concerns for follow-up.
The third, CKG (Cek Kesehatan Gratis), was visible during his stop at Puskesmas Mopah in Merauke. Here, residents lined up for free screenings—blood pressure checks, diabetes tests, and basic medical consultations. Elderly citizens expressed relief that such services had become available without fees. For them, the visit of the vice president was not just symbolic but proof that their needs were finally recognized.
Walking Through Wamanggu Market
Beyond schools and clinics, Gibran made a point to visit Pasar Wamanggu, Merauke’s largest traditional market. The lively scene was filled with vendors selling sago, betel nuts, vegetables, and fish. Market traders often feel invisible to policymakers, yet here they found themselves face-to-face with the vice president. He greeted sellers, asked about the price of cassava and fish, and listened to stories of fluctuating income. For many traders, his presence alone signaled recognition of their struggles and contributions to the local economy.
A vendor named Maria later told reporters, “We never thought a vice president would stand in front of our stall and ask how we are doing. Even if problems remain, it makes us feel noticed.”
In Jayapura: A School Visit with Mixed Emotions
On the second day, the vice president traveled to Jayapura to visit SMP Negeri 2 Sentani. The school, like many in Papua, had benefited from MBG. Students were eager, classrooms were decorated, and preparations were made to showcase the program’s impact. Yet, unlike other official visits, there was no traditional dance performance. The headmaster clarified that cultural dances were not scheduled due to limited time and resources. While some parents expressed disappointment, others saw it as a reminder that what mattered most was the focus on children’s well-being, not ceremonial display.
Still, the symbolism lingered: even as government programs expand, managing cultural expectations and sensitivities remains an ongoing challenge.
Youth Inspiration: A Young Leader Meets the Young
Throughout his journey, one recurring theme was the way Gibran connected with young people. At schools, students whispered about how “the vice president is young like us.” At markets, teenage vendors giggled nervously before taking selfies with him. Youth groups in Merauke praised his approachable demeanor, contrasting it with the often distant image of Jakarta’s political elite.
Founder of the Befak Daun Merauke Study Group, Veronika Konam said Gibran’s presence inspired young people to believe they, too, could one day influence the nation. “He comes here not only as an official but as someone who understands the dreams of young people,” she noted. For a province where dropout rates are still high and opportunities scarce, the psychological impact of seeing a young leader up close cannot be underestimated.
Challenges That Cannot Be Ignored
Yet, alongside the optimism, the visit highlighted pressing challenges. Health workers spoke of limited medical equipment and uneven distribution of doctors. Teachers mentioned shortages of textbooks and infrastructure. Market vendors complained about rising costs of goods and lack of proper facilities.
These realities are not new, but Gibran’s presence gave them renewed visibility. The expectation now is that his government will act. Without follow-through, the symbolic power of his visit risks fading into disappointment. Sustainability of MBG, PKG, and CKG will depend on consistent funding, logistical support, and coordination between Jakarta and local governments.
Building Trust Between Center and Periphery
For decades, many Papuans have felt marginalized, seeing development concentrated in western Indonesia. Visits like Gibran’s play a crucial role in bridging that gap. They signal that South Papua is not forgotten, that its children and mothers are as deserving of attention as those in Java or Sumatra.
More importantly, such visits build trust. By walking through markets, listening to health workers, and speaking directly with students, Gibran demonstrated a style of governance rooted in presence and listening. That, in itself, strengthens the fragile bonds between the state and communities in Papua.
Looking Ahead: From Symbolism to Substance
The true test of this visit lies not in the warm photographs or cheerful headlines but in the months and years ahead. Will MBG reduce stunting rates in Papua? Will PKG ensure mothers and infants receive timely medical care? Will CKG expand beyond urban centers into remote villages where health services are almost nonexistent?
Observers urge that clear metrics be tracked: nutrition outcomes among schoolchildren, maternal mortality rates, and the reach of free health programs. Without data-driven accountability, programs risk being remembered only as political slogans.
Conclusion
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s two-day visit to South Papua was more than a ceremonial tour. It was a narrative of inclusion, one where children in Merauke’s classrooms, mothers in Sentani’s clinics, and traders in Wamanggu market all felt seen. His presence energized youth, reassured health workers, and reminded the nation that Papua’s challenges and dreams are integral to Indonesia’s future.
The road ahead remains long and complex. Infrastructure gaps, funding constraints, and cultural expectations will continue to test the resilience of programs like MBG, PKG, and CKG. But if sustained commitment follows, the visit could mark a turning point—a moment when the eastern edge of Indonesia felt, perhaps for the first time in a long while, at the center of national attention.
For South Papua, the memory of those September days may linger as a spark of hope that young leadership, backed by political will, can indeed help build a healthier, more equitable Indonesia.