Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After the Inauguration of the Papua Street Carnival at the Papua Governor’s Office in Papua Province, July 7, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, this is the Papua Street Carnival. It’s the first time being held and what I see is that the creative industry in Papua has a significant number of materials, potential, and strength. It just needs to be planned well in advance, to be organized properly, to be packaged effectively, and to be branded well so that it produces products like what we’ve seen today.

It’s good during the daytime, but it will surely be even better at night with the costumes displayed earlier. I believe this is the beginning of many creative industries emerging in Papua. We hope that it will continue to be managed by the local area itself, overseen by the young people of Papua themselves although it’s currently supported by the Central Government.

Journalist

Will this become an annual event, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes. This is the start, and ideally, the provincial government, city government, and district government should quickly take over because the potential is indeed enormous. And, perhaps I will showcase one or two groups at the Presidential Palace later.

Journalist

Regarding “Papua Pandai Berhitung” program this morning, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, we witnessed that the rapid learning of math through Gasing led by Prof. Yohanes Surya truly transformed the children who used to fear mathematics and counting into being joyful about them. They became happy, understood quickly, and became skilled at counting. We’ve already implemented this in Papua and will do so in all provinces, cities, and districts across Indonesia, so that all our children enjoy math and counting.

Journalist

Sir, about Pandai Berhitung program in mountainous areas, will the method be taught there?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Everywhere, upon the initiative and request of the regent or mayor. We want those initiatives from the regents or mayors.

Journalist

Sir, currently Papua is in a narcotics emergency, and suppliers are from PNG. What is the advocacy from the Central Government like?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, I will issue warnings to all governors, regents, mayors, and regional police chiefs.

Journalist

Sir, any thoughts about the pilot who has been held as a hostage for a month?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Let me assure you that we are not staying idle. We have made significant efforts, but I cannot disclose what we have tried or what we have done on the ground. We had a meeting last night as well. I can’t share the details or the efforts, but the Government has been working hard to resolve the issue, and it’s an ongoing process. However, we cannot disclose everything to the public. That’s it.

Journalist

What do you hope from your recent visits to Australia and Papua New Guinea?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I have had heartfelt, informal discussions with both Australia and Papua New Guinea. We hope that through these two visits, we can ease conflicts and desires. We will continue this, especially in the economic realm, with cooperation in mining and industrial downstreaming, both with Australia and Papua New Guinea. Because, regardless, these two countries have a significant influence in our region. Thank you.

(AS/EP)