President Jokowi Welcomes Representatives of Papua, West Papua in State Palace

President Jokowi poses for a picture with representatives of the people of Papua and West Papua, at the State Palace, Jakarta,
Tuesday (10/9). Photo by: Rahmat/PR.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi and Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) Budi Gunawan, welcomed 61 representatives of the people of Papua and West Papua, at the State Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (10/9).

Budi Gunawan reported that the 61 people from Papua and West Papua consist of traditional leaders, leaders of churches, leaders of organization, academics, students, women and youth.

“They have been in Jakarta since 6 September to convey their advice to develop Papua and improve its welfare within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia,” Budi said.

The leader of the group, Abisai Rollo, said that his visit to the Palace aims to convey his hopes, anxieties, and needs as well as some future thoughts for a better Papua and for the development of human resources in Papua.

“We focus on human resources because Papua is an area rich with natural resources but only few native Papuans are able to utilize these natural resources,” Abisai said.

He then submitted 10 points of requests of the people of Papua-West Papua, which included the division of local regions in Papua and West Papua, the construction of Nusantara Dormitory in all cities where Papuan student study, and the request for the construction of the Presidential Palace in Papua. (MAY/RAH/ES)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Edited by: Mia Medyana