Significant Progress in Papua's Development Over the Last Decade
- VIVA/Aman Hasibuan.
Jakarta, VIVA – Over the past decade, Papua has seen remarkable development progress, driven by strategic policies and targeted investments in various sectors.
A key milestone in this progress is the introduction of the Papua Development Acceleration Master Plan (RIPPP) in 2022, which aims to transform Papua into a healthy, educated, and productive region. The plan is supported by funding from Special Autonomy (Otsus), the State Budget (APBN), and the Regional Budget (APBD).
Tri Dewi Virgiyanti, Deputy for Regional Development at the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, emphasized the importance of RIPPP in improving the welfare of the Papuan people.
"Our development plan for Papua is structured in several measurable action phases, including a five-year action plan for 2025-2029, which will be more detailed than the master plan," she explained during the Merdeka Barat 9 Forum on Monday, October 14.
Since 2014, under the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), Papua's development has focused not only on basic infrastructure such as roads, airports, and ports but also on essential services like education and healthcare. The government's aim is to reduce the inequality faced by Indonesia's eastern region.
Local investment has played a crucial role in Papua's economic growth, creating jobs and improving local welfare. Imam Soejoedi, Special Staff for Macro Economy at the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), highlighted the positive impact of investment.
"Papua has become a key focus for investment due to its improved infrastructure and natural resources," he said.
The administrative division of Papua into new provinces has also been pivotal. According to Kastorius Sinaga, Special Staff to the Minister of Home Affairs, this move has made government services more accessible and fostered new economic growth centers.
"With provincial division, public services, including health and education, are now closer to the people," he explained.
