West Papua is well known for its backwardness in the world of economy and social welfare. With so many limitations, the island of Papua is difficult to develop so that the people there are still far behind.
But at this time, the development that is being intensively implemented in Papua is not only to build the economy. It also aims to develop social justice for all people in Indonesia, which is stated in Pancasila.
Many development program achievements have been made over the last few years for West Papua. The allocation of funds to Papua reached Rp 62 trillion and the funds were not allocated for the special autonomy program.
The government made intensive visits to Papua up to 10 times and took some concrete actions to improve development progress in the region. The result of other developments in the construction of roads in Papua.
This road section aims to open the isolation of the community and support the smooth running of the social and economic activities of the community. In addition, the government is building a new port and revitalizing the airport as access for land travel.
The revitalization of the airport as a cultural bridge will facilitate the distribution of goods that will boost the local economy. Local products in Papua are difficult to market, but since this revitalization, it is hoped that the Papuan economy will improve.
Improving Energy Infrastructure in West Papua
Papua is still very difficult to get electrical energy. There are still many areas and places that have not been able to experience life with electricity. Therefore, the government is working on the Papua region so that it can feel the electricity and other energy.
The government and PLN have succeeded in increasing the electrification ratio. The electrification ratio in Papua in 2013 was only 30% and is now 77% in 2018. This is certainly a good step to advance Papua.
In addition, from the poverty sector, Papua has experienced a decrease in the level of poverty and the quality of life of the community. In 2013 the poverty rate of Papua could reach 32% and now it has dropped to 27% which reduces the amount of poverty in Papua.
The government’s efforts to optimize the natural resources and human resources in Papua are indeed not easy. The government is trying its best to carry out development in the health and education sectors.
Some of these efforts are shown by a large number of scholarship facilities and funding for education in West Papua. In addition, the rate of infant and maternal mortality in Papua has now decreased and will affect life expectancy.
Government Approach to Building Positive Development
The development that is being intensively carried out in Papua is not only to build the economic sector but also to realize social development. The government will be committed to continuing to promote prosperity in the region.
The government has also issued several policies and regulations that are specific to Papua. In addition, the government has made this policy a priority so that various actions and plans that have been prepared can be implemented immediately.
The government will accelerate all development that will support the welfare of the people of West Papua. The government will also always monitor how the development of the community and infrastructure development as well as the development of welfare there.
Natural resources in Papua must be used as a source of food and energy for the people there. They should be given education or socialization on how to use the surrounding resources in order to increase their knowledge and advance the community.
In addition, health education for the entire community must be carried out on a regular basis. This is intended so that all people understand and can overcome all health problems and the importance of health for our bodies.
The Government’s Commitment to Accelerate Development in West Papua
Welfare Development in Papua will focus on alleviating poverty, improving the quality of education, and improving health services. Not only that, the development of basic infrastructure and the strengthening of small businesses must be considered.
Social welfare indicators in several districts in Papua are focused on the value of poverty, education, employment, infrastructure, and access to finance. And several cities in Papua have already achieved this indicator.
• Jayawijaya Regency
The poverty rate in this district reaches 817,710 people with an extreme poverty rate of 67,720 people. Meanwhile, the level of employment in this district reached 48% of poor household members who are in the productive age group working in agriculture.
• Puncak Jaya Regency
The poverty rate in this district reaches 46,070 with extreme poverty levels reaching 35,180 people. Meanwhile, 79% of the extreme poor household members are in the productive age group who work in the agricultural sector
• Lanny Jaya District
The poverty rate in this district reaches 68,620 people with an extreme poverty rate of 54,920 people. Meanwhile, the level of employment in this district reached 52% of poor household members who are the productive age group working in agriculture.
These indicators can be used as a reference for the government in building infrastructure and social welfare. The people there must get the same treatment and facilities so that there is an even distribution of economic and social welfare in West Papua.
