Jokowi Faces Several Challenges in Pushing Infrastructure in Papua
- VIVA/Aman Hasibuan.
Jakarta, VIVA – During the 10 years of President Joko Widodo's (Jokowi) leadership, the focus has been on development in Papua and the promotion of an extractive economy for export.
It includes in the national medium-term development plans (RPJMN) for 2015-2019 and 2020-2024.
The government has also issued pro-investment regulations, built infrastructure, and provided incentives to attract both domestic and foreign investment.
Boy Markus Dawir, a member of Commission IV of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) of Papua Province, stated that the realization of development in Papua comes with its own set of challenges.
Presiden Jokowi saat menghadiri peringatan HAN di Papua
- VIVA.co.id/Aman Hasibuan (Papua)
Dawir highlighted several challenges faced in building infrastructure in Papua, such as the province’s geographical conditions, which include mountains, seas, and vast distances that are difficult to traverse.
He mentioned several factors contributing to infrastructure development issues in Papua. These factors include limited regional budget (APBD) funds, geographical location, and communication between local governments.
"For example, traveling from Yapen Islands Regency to Waropen Regency is extremely difficult. That is one of the challenges from a geographic perspective," Dawir said in a statement on Sunday (Oct 6).
In addition to geographic issues, Dawir also pointed out the difficulties in reaching Papua's mountainous areas. He noted that the geography of Papua’s mountainous regions is extremely harsh, compounded by poor weather conditions and transportation challenges.
"For instance, when we want to go to the mountains, the plane is available, but the weather is bad, so we can't go there," he remarked.
Another issue concerns the state budget (APBN), where certain regulations are considered to hinder the infrastructure development process in Papua.
"For example, regarding the APBN funds that go to Papua, we in the Provincial DPR are restricted by regulations. We cannot oversee the APBN, and we face difficulties there," he stated.
On the other hand, violent conflicts in Papua continue to occur and cannot be simplified by merely extending special autonomy or creating new provinces.
The government needs to adopt an approach that is in line with local socio-cultural conditions and ensure transparent oversight of special autonomy funds.
Instability caused by the Free Papua Movement (OPM), also known as the Armed Criminal Group (KKB), has long posed a serious challenge for Papua.
The violent actions carried out by this group not only result in numerous casualties but also hinder various development efforts in the region.
