The development of Papua is wholly for the needs and the welfare of indigenous Papuans. This was stated by Vice President Ma’ruf Amin. That is why the implementation of the development acceleration program continues on. Even so, challenges exist including violent acts by certain groups as a way of rejecting it. That is why the Vice President called on the people of Papua to support the development program, so that the benefits can be felt in the form of welfare.
“The benefits of development in Papua are most felt by indigenous Papuans, those in Papua, not the people of Jakarta,” said the Vice President during a visit to the People’s Oil Palm Replanting Programme in Wasegi Indah Village, Prafi District, Manokwari Regency, West Papua, as quoted on Sunday (16/7/2023).
“It is impossible for what is being built in Papua to be moved to Jakarta. Therefore, it is Papuans, especially indigenous Papuans (who feel the results). Therefore, we must allow it (the process) to run, do not disturb this development, do not disturb the security,” he added.
The Vice President further said that through conducive environmental conditions, various aspects of development can be gradually fulfilled and realised.
“The point is, yes, we will continue to develop welfare, including palm oil, and also develop education and health. We want Papua to be a Healthy Papua, Smart Papua, Prosperous Papua,” said the Vice President.
As a form of commitment to realising these goals, the Vice President added, various relevant stakeholders continue to synergise to ensure that there are no overlapping programmes and evaluate the targets that have been set.
“We will continue to consolidate this and make it our common determination. That is why in addition to special autonomy, there is also a supervisory body and a steering committee. This is so there is no deviation (from the programme),” the Vice President explained.
Concluding his press statement, the Vice President also appealed to all relevant parties to continue to maintain conduciveness, both in implementing the programme, and with the community. Thus, the general strategy of active defence can continue to run in maintaining security in Papua.
“So those who are still making trouble, should return to the embrace of Papua that is prosperous. The land of Papua for Papua. If they continue, it will interfere with the course of development and will slow down the emergence of prosperity,” the Vice President appealed. “If it continues to be disrupted, development will not run smoothly, then the people will say that their welfare has not been achieved,” the Vice President concluded.
In line with the Vice President, West Papua Acting Governor Paulus Waterpauw said that not all security conditions in cities in Papua are in poor condition. This means that many of the Papuan people are supportive and ready to accept the implementation of development for welfare in Papua.
“The riots are happening in the Central Papua region at this time, meaning that they are quite far away and irrelevant to us in West Papua,” explained Paulus. “Once again, West Papua today is safe and also conducive in translating various state policies. Our efforts together, together with the Regent and stakeholders to be able to carry out various quick steps to realise the hopes of the community if we want to. And keep in mind that the state will always on the peoples’ side,” he concluded.
West Papua Now 