President Jokowi Expresses Optimism About Development in Asmat

President Jokowi and The First Lady greet children during working visit to Asmat Regency, Thursday (12/4). (Photo by: Bureau of Press and Media).

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo expressed his optimism about the development in Asmat District, Papua Province following the extraordinary outbreaks of measles and malnutrition.

The President delivered the statement on Thursday (12/4) at Mozes Kilangin International Airport, Mimika Regency, Papua, after visiting Asmat District.

Infrastructure development in Asmat District includes short and medium term development ranging from clean water infrastructure, sanitation, bridges, village roads improvements, home repair, and new human settlement development.

President Jokowi added that the Government has built nine water reservoirs, five in Agats and four in several districts and said that he had also ordered the Asmat Regent to pay attention to the nutrition of children in Asmat District.

According to the President, 320 children get mung bean, vegetables and other nutritious food every day.

“We have 13 Health Community Centers. However, providing nutrition in the districts is not easy due to the isolation,” the President said, adding that the Government is currently building Trans Papua road to open isolated areas.

The Trans Papua, according to President Jokowi, will provide access to the districts, cities, regencies, and provinces.

During the previous visit, upon arrival at Helipad of Agats Seaport area, Asmat regency, the President and First Lady Mrs. Iriana were welcomed by a welcoming dance and were awarded traditional titles symbolized by paddle and noken, a traditional Papua woven bag. President Jokowi was also given a traditional name, Kambepit, which had been decided by the Leaders Assembly of Asmat Indigenous People.

Kambepit is the name of a War Commander of Asmat from Bismania family. For Asmat Tribe, Commander of Kambepit is a brave and visionary leader who leads Asmat Tribe into an era of change where Asmat people recognize modern civilization as it is today. The name and title reflect hope from Asmat indigenous people that President Jokowi will become the current Commander of Kambepit who leads them into an era of change and leads them to a better future.

Also accompanying President and Mrs. Iriana during the visit were Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of State Secretariat Pratikno, Minister of Health Nila Moeloek, Governor of Papua Ad Interim Soedarmo and Regent of Asmat Elisa Kambo. (BPMI/EN) (RI/EP/Naster)