Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Inspection to Waibu Agro Edu Tourism, Jayapura City, Papua Province, July 7, 2023
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
In this place, the creativity of young people in Papua is accommodated. Education and lessons were given, be it in matters of packaging, hydroponics, raising and farming chickens and fish, or making fodder for chicken and fish, all training is held here. Nevertheless, the most important thing is, I remind you again, everything has to start from the market. What is the demand from the market? Then, we can start the production. If the market demand for eggs, we do laying hens production. If the market demand for chicken meat, we do broiler chicken production. It is all about demand from the market.
Journalist
What are your expectations for Papuan youths, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes. we will see. We will see if the training is held here in the future. If the PYCH (Papua Youth Creative Hub) or real things are being done like this, Papuan youth should be able to control the market here in the future. Then the superior products are packaged properly so it can be good souvenirs for anyone who comes to the land of Papua. I think that’s it.
Journalist
Sir, I am Putri Kurita from Tribun Papua. I want to know during your two terms of office, how did you view Papua as a whole, sir? Well, maybe from the conflict and a lot of things until now?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Let us always look at the positive side. Young people in such creative industries, creative young people like this must be regarded positively. Again, please do not look at the (negative side) for in general, 99 percent, there is no such problem. Let us not exaggerate a small problem. Yes, everything is in place, everywhere, in Papua too. It is safe. Our carnival is safe, we do not encounter any problems here, right? We ate at the restaurant last night without any problems. Please do not create any stigma and exaggerate small things for it will harm Papua itself.
Journalist
Sir, how do you see the creation of new provinces (in Papua)? Is there a message for the Papuan people?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes. Since (the regional government’s) place is getting closer to the people, the public service should be better and development must also be faster. What happened in the past, the capital of the province was in Jayapura and the people living in Merauke had to go there if they wanted to obtain provincial services; it was too far. So, now it can be done in Merauke, Boven Digoel, and other areas in South Papua. Everything about public services can be done in the four regencies in South Papua, no need to go to Jayapura. We will speed up the service and the development.
Journalist
Thank you, sir.
(GWH/MUR)