VP Ma’ruf Amin Delivers Results of Papua Working Visit

Vice President Ma’ruf Amin is in his working visit to Papua province. (Photo by: BPMI of Vice Presidential Secretariat)

Vice President Ma’ruf Amin who also chaired the Papua Board of Advisors (BPP) conducted a five-day working visit to Papua, covering Jayapura and Biak Numfor in Papua province, Merauke in South Papua province, Timika in Central Papua province, and Kaimana in West Papua province.

The Vice President mentioned that this working visit is his longest one in term of duration. During that visit, he met with regional government, customary figures, prominent figures, and the people of Papua to hear their aspiration for the acceleration of Papuan welfare improvement.

“I gained experiences, aspirations, and important inputs,” he said.

There are seven points of note of the Vice President’s visit. First, the visit was the most memorable one and full of high optimism in advancing the Papuan people.

“I am very impressed with the optimism and spirit of many social elements in realizing a prosper, just, and peace Papua,” he said.

Second, the Vice president underscored positive energy in Papua from the strong bond between religions, customary, and leadership from local government in maintaining inter-faith harmony.

“As the Chairperson of BPP, I will strengthen collaboration with churches through communion of churches in the land of Papua and the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB),” he added.

Third, he appreciated the Papuans who are diligent and persistent in advancing the potential of each region, such as the center for coffee in the mountainous regions, food estate in Merauke, center for spices in Fakfak and Kaimana, and center for fish in Biak.

He went on to say that the Government through Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries gives its support to Biak to export fish to Japan and the United States of America.

“I ordered Minister of Maritime Affairs to facilitate direct export from Biak to Japan and the USA. I also expect Sail Cenderawasih Bay-Bomberai Raya Peninsula can be held,” he said.

Fourth, the Vice President underscored the importance of connectivity and infrastructure as the main capital to develop Papua which requires careful planning.

“The new provinces need new master plans on an integrated transportation system including a new scheme of Trans Papua,” he said adding that the new autonomous regions will drive the acceleration of development in Papua and also improve public services.

According to the Vice President, the four new autonomous regions are the game changers to speed up development of Papua while still prioritizing the local community.

Sixth, Ma’ruf Amin ordered the related Government to draw up an action plan for the implementation of new autonomous regions and instructed related ministers/heads of institutions to look for detailed and concrete solutions that can be placed in the 2023-2024 Action Plan.

Seventh, he confirmed his plan to return to Papua to monitor the implementation of new autonomous regions and acceleration of Papuan welfare improvement. (JW/UN) (RAS/LW)