President Prabowo Reaffirms Commitment to Papua Development

President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday (12/16) delivers directives to Papua regional leaders and the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Papua Special Autonomy Development (KEPP OKP) at the State Palace, Jakarta. Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Rusman

President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday (12/16) received a report from the Chairperson of the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Papua Special Autonomy Development (KEPP OKP), Velix Wanggai, regarding the strategic agendas and the roadmap for accelerating development in Papua.

In his report, the KEPP OKP Chairperson highlighted the importance of intensive and collaborative communication between the Central Government, the Committee, and Regional Leaders in Papua.

“We are developing formal and informal communication with the prominent figures, namely the Governors, Regents, and Mayors. Many strategic ideas have been conveyed to us, along with breakthroughs that often escape media attention, and many concrete breakthroughs are being implemented on the ground,” Velix said.

According to Velix, Papua should not be seen in terms of underdeveloped and remote areas, but as a strategic part of Indonesia’s future.

“Talking about Papua means talking about Indonesia’s future, the future of economy, the future of energy, the future of food, and Indonesia’s future in the Pacific region in the context of geopolitics, geoeconomics, and geostrategy,” Velix said.

On that occasion, the Committee Chairperson explained several priority agendas that have been agreed upon. The first agenda is strengthening quick wins programs rooted in the Papuan culture and community participation, referred to as Asta Cita Rasa Papua.

“Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has set the target of 2,572 Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) in Papua. We aim to involve Papuan characteristics in the target, working with churches to boost congregation’s economy and village economy. It will create an impact that reaches farmers, fishermen, workers, and local logistics stakeholders in Papua,” he said.

The second agenda focuses on social protection and direct support for indigenous Papuans, including direct cash assistance, as well as the Social Security Agency (BPJS) for health and employment.

“Regarding the BPJS for health and the BPJS for employment, we must provide universal health coverage, especially for pastors, presbyters, fishermen, and workers who have limited access to pay the BPJS premium. The program must reach indigenous Papuans,” Velix said.

The KEPP OKP also promoted the strengthening of local economy from upstream to downstream sector by designating one flagship product in each regency or city, as well as the establishment of new economic hubs through strategic economic zones and industrial areas across Papua.

Velix said that he had a discussion with several Governors and Regents regarding the proposal of new strategic economic zones other than Sorong, including Biak as the gateway to the Pacific region, Pegunungan Bintang, Merauke, and Kaimana to boost economic development across Papua.

Concluding his report, the KEPP OKP Chairperson outlined a five-year roadmap for accelerating development in Papua, including strengthening Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programs as part of quick wins to promote local investment and create new economic hubs.

“In 2027, our focus is on local economic investment to generate regional revenue and create new economic hubs. In 2028, the focus is on social security, and in 2029 we have to deal with the political year,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RI/MUR)