The Vice President Calls on All Stakeholders to Contribute to Accelerate the Development of Papua

Merauke, wapresri.go.id – Vice President K.H. Ma’ruf Amin held a meeting with the Acting Governor of South Papua, Regents throughout South Papua, and Community Leaders of South Papua in the Ballroom of the Swiss-Belhotel Merauke, Wednesday (30/11/2022).

During the meeting, the Vice President invited the participants to contribute to accelerating Indonesia’s development from South Papua.

“Let’s build South Papua with the same goal, the same heart, united hearts, and united goals, Izakod Bekai Izakod Kai, that is the motto that we continue to live up to, not only in writing but we live out in society,” said the Vice President.

Simultaneously, the Vice President further conveyed several essential things to accelerate Papua’s development.

First, the Vice President instructed the Minister of Home Affairs to immediately discuss various issues and agendas of concern in South Papua Province.

“As previously stated, including the acting governor, this is to be noted and made into attention to take steps,” said the Vice President.

“Immediately map out the concrete steps related to the transition of the new provincial institutions, which are in line with the stages of the 2024 election process, the Deputy Minister has already conveyed,” he added.

Second, the Vice President advised making the presence of a new province in Papua a strategy of solid encouragement, which could drive the development of the welfare of indigenous Papuans. One of them is through innovations.

“There must be a new way that is a breakthrough in managing Papua’s development,” said the Vice President.

“Identify specifically the best commodities from each district in South Papua. Create integrated regional connectivity design. Prioritize the role of indigenous Papuans,” he continued.

Third, the Vice President views South Papua Province as the face of Indonesia on the national border, as Indonesia’s gateway from the south to the Pacific countries. For this reason, he asked the attention of stakeholders to formulate the acceleration of the development of an integrated state border.

“PLBN in Merauke, PLBN Boven Digoel, and several traditional points of economic transactions must become new growth centers in the country’s border areas,” said the Vice President.

Finally, the fourth point, Vice President stated that the food security agenda is currently the center of attention of the international community, including being on the agenda for discussion at the Bali G20 Summit. Therefore, he continued through good planning and local community involvement, it is necessary to focus on making South Papua the national food barn in Eastern Indonesia, both rice centers, fisheries centers, and animal husbandry centers.

“Formulate an integrated approach from upstream to downstream. Ensure the involvement of indigenous Papuans,” concluded the Vice President. (SM/LHS- BPMI – Setwapres)