President Jokowi Meets with Gate Festival Competition Winners from Papua

President Jokowi and the Papuan winners having lunch together, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (3/9). (Photo by: Bureau of Press, Media and Information).

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo on Tuesday (3/9) at the Merdeka Palace had lunch with two Papuan winners of the 2019 Gate Festival Competition.

On the lunch, President Jokowi listened to a number of proposals from the winners—Tekius Heluka from Nduga Regency and Otniel Kayani from Yapen Islands Regency—regarding development in their respective villages.

Tekius told the President that his village needs to be developed. The developments needed are, among others, constructions of markets and asphalt road from Nduga to Wamena. He also expressed his hope that the Nduga children—who have completed their education in Wamena—will return to Nduga to help to build their village. Meanwhile, Otniel expressed his hope that the development of residential areas and bridges connecting villages in his village can be carried out.

According to both winners, President Jokowi responded very well to their proposals. “The President said that our requests will be fulfilled as soon as possible,” Otniel said.

On the occasion, Tekius also said that the people in his village are safe. “I am red and white (referring to Indonesian flag),” he added.

“We as citizens are responsible for maintaining security together,” Otniel concluded. (FID/JAY/ES)

Translated by: Galuh Wicaksono
Edited by: Mia Medyana