With more than 250 different tribes, more than 10 million hectares of land, 1,100 spoken languages, and rich natural resources, West Papua has a huge potential just waiting to be explored. For a long time, Papua has been left behind in social and economic aspects because of the lack of development of infrastructures, especially transportation. Learn more about their economic and infrastructure development here (https://westpapuaupdate.com/accelerated-economic-infrastructure-development-west-papua/
Famous for its diving sites in Raja Ampat, Papua also holds potential in tourism since the richness of coral biodiversity and crystal-clear waters are appealing to be developed by the government of Indonesia. Endless potentials of West Papua waiting to be discovered should be Indonesia’s top priorities by improving infrastructure and reliable figures.
Lukas Enembe: The Governor of Papua
The governor of Papua, Lukas Enembe, has served since 2013 and published three books particularly during his seven years of service called “Membuat Lurus Soal Otonomi Khusus” (Setting Straight Special Autonomy Problems), “Torang Bisa PON XX Supremasi dan Kemuliaan Papua” (Yes You can PON XX Supremacy and The Nobility of Papua) and “Jatuh Bangun Lukas Enembe: Merakit Kisah, Membongkar Fakta Gubernur” (The Fall and Rise of Lukas Enembe: Writing a Story, Unveiling Facts of The Governor).
He believes that Papua is “A Small Heaven Fell On Earth.” He also realizes that it needs a lot of work to build Papua, especially the idea that Papuan Locals or Orang Asli Papua (OAP) are rightful to have a prosperous life without the negative impression, such as being isolated, destitute, vulnerable, etc. Economically speaking, Lukas Enembe also promotes transparency and honesty in his work. Based on the Financial Audit Results Report (LHP) for 2016, Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan RI (Republic of Indonesia Audit Board) gives an Unqualified Audit Opinion, which means Papua has a chance to develop more rapidly through going concern. Mr. President Joko Widodo also shows his support during his many touches (https://westpapuaupdate.com/president-jokowis-touch-land-papua-part-2/) to the land of Papua, including the PON 2020 agenda as an effort to help rebuild it into a greater land.
Encouraging Prosperity Through Sustainable Development
An Island covered with 90% trees and the lowest historical deforestation rate in Indonesia, West Papua has many great potentials to come, especially after Papua has announced itself of being the world’s first Sustainable Development Province (SDP). From the year 2000-2020, the government of Papua Province has signed many agreements which many of which shows a determined commitment to reduce deforestation by more than 80% below baseline, reduce GHG emissions up to 40%, designate 70% of the Island as a protected area, and convert 50% of coastal conservation areas.
Let The Data Speaks: Rapid Economic Growth of West Papua Thanks to Mr. President
Papua’s Economic Growth in the province took a dive with a 3.25% decrease in 2014. The fact that remote regions of Papua rich in cultural and natural resources have been left untouched for so many years frustrates many great authorities, including the president of Indonesia himself, Joko Widodo.
Aware of Papua’s potential, Joko Widodo spends a huge amount of money to promote the prosperity of West Papuans with a heap of IDR 6.4million. Since this massive investment, West Papua and other provinces in Papua have improved rapidly, giving hope to a greater Papua.
With all being said, it is clear that Lukas Enembe has top-of-the-notch characteristics as governor to lead West Papua to a better future through social, economic, and political development, including his love for Papua island. Because Papua has a huge potential to support Indonesia’s economy in the next decade, it is about time we appreciate the hidden gems of Indonesia’s beauty through this province.
