Indonesia consists of thousands of big and small islands scattered throughout the nation, one of which is the province of Papua. Unfortunately, Papua development got delayed for decades due to the Java-centric development where the central government is located.
Despite its vast area, which is rich in Papuan culture and natural wealth, Papua is considered underdeveloped due to the above reason.
However, thanks to President Jokowi, Papua became the priority of Indonesia’s current development under his leadership. The government has a commitment so that Papua can also experience all the development advancements like other regions.
Let us take a closer look at Papua’s development in the following.
The Government Commitment to Developing Papua
The government suggests two approaches in order to ensure equitable development in Papua provinces.
- The first one is to build its infrastructure
- the other is to increase the quality of its human resources.
The two approaches should be the foundation to build Papua to the fullest so that all the talents and potential of this region are acknowledged. The local government should welcome the plan by building two-way communication and working hand-in-hand in order to achieve the desired goal.
There is also a collaboration with other countries so the development can be maximally accelerated. USAID is among the many entities collaborating with the Indonesian Bappenas (the Ministry of National Development Planning) for such a project.
The USAID program is awesome because it offers a five-year program to support accelerating development in Papua province. This program and the government plans are not only lip service because some of those plans have been accomplished. In fact, the government is accelerating development in various sectors to increase society’s welfare.
They are much evidence of infrastructure development in Papua, such as follows:
1. Stadion Papua Bangkit / Lukas Enembe
This stadium is prestigious for the Papuan people because they can finally have their own international standard sports venue. This venue is huge because its capacity is to cater to 40,000 audiences.
It was built as the place to hold the Pekan Olahraga Nasional (PON) XX in 2021. This stadium is of best use now because it becomes the headquarter of the Papuan Persipura Jayapura soccer team.
2. Jembatan Youtefa
This bridge is among the best infrastructure in Papua, Indonesia, due to its magnificent and awesome structure. Youtefa, which is located in Jayapura City, has a length of 732 meters long and 21 meters wide to cater to many vehicles.
This bridge links Holtekamp with Hamadi, so they named the bridge Jembatan Holtekamp.
3. PYCH (Papua Youth Creative Hub)
PYCH is a means to accelerate human resources in Papua. especially its youths. Built over a 3,500-meter square area, this facility offers many accommodations, such as music and podcast rooms.
There are also many other facilities such as a library, café, PYCH farm, MSME Store, and more. Young Papuan can explore their abilities here by taking training and getting a job in their respective skills.
4. Trans Papua
This road is something phenomenal because this infrastructure is what they have been dreaming of, such as a freeway. This road stretches from West Papua Province to South Papua Province so as to link both provinces to improve Papua’s economy.
5. Dominique Eduard Osok Airport
The government also built this first-class airport so Papuan people could travel to the nearby region more conveniently and faster.
Conclusion
The Indonesian government is very serious about accomplishing equitable development in Papua, so they make programs and plans. The development of Papuan infrastructure is crucial because it can help improve regional distribution. Thus, it can boost society’s welfare and establish a solid government.
Papua Development is not a mere dream because the Indonesian government is still doing its best to accomplish its development programs in Papua.
