President Prabowo Promotes Development Acceleration in Papua

Newly inaugurated Governor of Papua Matius Fakhiri delivers pers statement at State Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (08/10). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday (08/10) asserted the government’s commitment to accelerating development in Papua through synergy among central and regional governments as well as Executive Committee for the Development of Special Autonomy in Papua. The statement was made by the newly inaugurated Governor of Papua Matius Fakhiri and Head of Executive Committee following their inauguration by President Prabowo at the State Palace, Jakarta.

Governor Matius expressed his gratitude for his inauguration, as well as his commitment to mark the momentum as the beginning of real actions to develop inclusive and fair Papua.

“Let us contribute to the development of Papua, as a pride of our beloved nation, Indonesia. We look forward to the collaboration of all parties, no matter what their origins, religions, ethnicities; we are one, we are Papuans, we are Indonesians,” said the Governor.

He also emphasized that Papua has the responsibility to set an example for other newly autonomous regions. Therefore, Provincial Government of Papua will strengthen the coordination with ministries and institutions to accelerate development programs.

The Governor noted that his government’s top priority is human development in Papua, particularly in the education and health sectors. This is believed to be the main foundation of a developed region.

“We are ready to strengthen the coordination with ministries and institutions, as well as the Committee initiated by President Prabowo to accelerate development,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Executive Committee Velix Vernando Wanggai said that President Prabowo has put great emphasis on direct and integrated development management in Papua.

“Mr President showed a high commitment to monitor Papua in person. Managing Papua as a holistic agenda, well-integrated with the global context. In the national context, about the integration between cross-ministries, and private sectors, as well as consolidation with provincial and regional levels,” he said.

Velix showed his commitment to monitoring the Asta Cita program for Papua, including politics, economy, infrastructure, and government. Besides, he noted that the Committee consisted of a team with various backgrounds. Therefore, they will also focus on socio-cultural aspects, including sports, gender issues, and the creative economy in Papua development.

“The government must present to our brothers and sisters in the coastal, mountainous, inland, and swamp area,” he said.

The Committee also has the responsibility to bridge the coordination between the central government and the six provinces in Papua, ensuring the development programs are well-targeted and impactful to Papuans. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RD/MUR)