President Jokowi really pays attention to Papua as the region continues to be developed, both in terms of infrastructure and human resources. The community appreciates the various development achievements in Papua which are expected to accelerate the progress of the land of Cenderawasih.
In the past, Papua had a slightly negative image and there were still ordinary people who thought that it was just wilderness there. All this is because Papua only joined the Republic of Indonesia in the 60s, and also because of the centralization policy in the New Order era so that eastern Indonesia received little attention. However, since the reform order was changed to decentralization and equalization of each region in the Republic of Indonesia.
Of course, a month or two months is not enough to develop Papua. However, during President Jokowi’s administration for almost two periods, development achievements in Papua were very positive. This is because President Jokowi pays great attention to the Papuan people.
Special Staff to the Minister of Transportation for Economic Affairs and Transportation Investment, Wihana Kirana Jaya, stated that the development of transportation facilities in the transportation sector is still a concern for the government, through the Ministry of Transportation. The Ministry of Transportation will build airports, especially in the mountainous areas of Papua because the people still depend on air transportation.
Currently there are 389 airports throughout the Papua region and more will be added. The reason is because the Papua region is very unique, consisting of forests, hills, plains and mountains. So access to the mountains can only be via airplane.
Apart from airport construction, land road construction is also prioritized. Currently the Trans Papua Road has been completed and was inaugurated directly by President Jokowi. This road was created for the smooth mobility of the Papuan people and they can pass it by motorbike or car. Not only walking via paths that are relatively difficult to penetrate.
President Jokowi has indeed made land transportation easier because it can have a positive effect on the economy of the Papuan people. Apart from shortening travel time, there will be efficiency thereby saving transportation costs. When there is a land road, dependence on air transportation will slowly decrease, thereby saving people’s money.
Those who benefit most from easy access to land transportation are traders because they can send goods smoothly and at the same time save costs. When transportation costs can be reduced, the prices of basic necessities and other goods can be reduced. As a result, people also benefit because they get more affordable prices, if possible almost the same as in Java.
The construction of road access in the era of President Jokowi deserves to be appreciated because he thought about the long-term effects. Not only ease of mobility but also reduced prices. It is no longer a secret that the prices of goods in Papua are very expensive, many times higher than in Java. However, with the rise of land transportation, it is hoped that it will decrease, thereby improving the welfare of the people.
Development in the era of President Jokowi is not only in the form of physical development but also human resources. This is done by providing special autonomy scholarships (Otsus) so that Papuan sons can continue their education up to university level. It is hoped that with a bachelor’s degree, they will get a better job and the salary will also be good.
The public appreciates Papua’s development achievements in the era of President Jokowi. Papua is turning into a beautiful ultra-modern area, and still paying attention to environmental safety. Papua has a lot of natural resource and tourism potential so it is natural that it continues to be developed, so that it benefits its people too. Infrastructure development continues to be worked on for the benefit of the community.
Author: JS
Travel Vlogger, Journalist,
