Vice President Ma’ruf Amin recently concluded his five-day working visit to Papua. Wrapping up his visit, which lasted from 28 November to 2 December 2022, the Vice President, who is also Chairman of the Papua Steering Committee imparted 7 key messages.
“I like to call this working visit as a Papuan tawaf, going around Papua,” he said, likening his trip to the ritual circumambulation of the Kaaba in Mecca, as quoted on the release by the Vice-Presidential Secretariat (3/12).
The working visit, which took place from 28 November to 2 December 2022, covered several cities and regencies all over Papua, such as Jayapura, Merauke, Mimika, Kaimana, and Biak Numfor.
First, the Vice President admitted that this particular working visit was the most memorable and had much optimism in helping the advancement of the people of Papua.
“I was very impressed by the highly optimistic spirit of various social segments in realising a Papua that is prosperous, fair, and peaceful,” he added.
Secondly, he felt positive energy, through the foundation of religion, customs, and leadership ties of the local Government in maintaining harmony between religious groups.
“I will strengthen collaboration with churches through the Alliance of Churches in Papua, as well as through the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB),” he said.
Thirdly, he also expressed his appreciation to the people of Papua for their diligence and perseverance in advancing the regional potential found in every region, such as coffee centre in the mountain regions, food stores in Merauke, nutmeg in Fakfak and Kaimana, national fish stores in Papua, to the Sail Cendrawasih Bay – Great Bomberai Peninsula policy.
“I appreciate the strong desire to develop superior local commodities,” he said.
Fourth, the Vice President stated the importance of connectivity and infrastructure as the main factors in developing Papua, which requires thorough planning.
“The presence of new provinces demands a new masterplan for an integrated transportation system,” he said.
Fifth, the Vice President feels that the New Autonomous Regions can awaken the spirit of acceleration, service, and development in Papua, which he considers a game changer.
“The expansion of Papuan Provinces is a game changer in the acceleration of Papuan development,” he added.
The Vice President’s sixth message is directed at the Ministers and Heads of Agencies to immediately deliberate on the 2023-2024 Action Plan.
“I have instructed the Ministers and Agency Heads to immediately discuss detailed and concrete solutions to be included in the 2023-2024 Action Plan, including the Sail Cendrawasih Bay 2023,” he said.
Finally, the Vice President conveyed his plan to visit Papua again in 2023 with the hope that the 2023-2024 acceleration program can be more thoroughly formulated.
“God willing in 2023, I will return to visit a number of regions in Papua to fulfil the invitation of various strategic groups, as well as to solidify the quick wins of 2023-2024,” he said.
West Papua Now 