Students from Papua graduated from Corban University on Saturday (7/5/2022) (ANTARA/HO-KJRI San Francisco)
A total of 10 Indonesian students from Papua graduated from Corban University, Salem, Oregon state, United States. The students come from various regions in Papua. During their study in the US, they received support for a special autonomy scholarship from the Papua Provincial Government and successfully completed their education in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
These Papuan students are part of about 240 scholarship recipients who graduated in the first semester of this year. Although they had experienced great challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the graduates from Papua finally proved their hard work in completing their studies at one of the best universities in the city of Salem. They managed to graduate and adapt while studying abroad and showed academic achievements.
The long-awaited graduation ceremony was also attended by representatives from the Indonesian Consulate General in San Francisco who could at least replace the presence of the parents of Papuan graduates. One of the graduates, Nathanael Alvin Affar, stated that the absence of their parents was due to the limitations caused by the pandemic.
One of the graduates named Milda Kogoya expressed her desire to be part of an agent of change that provides benefits for the development and progress of Indonesia in general, especially in Papua. Meanwhile, other graduates, Deswan Wanimbo and Aimur Pagawak, also wish to continue their studies at the S2 and S3 levels. It is hoped that later the contribution of the nation’s young generation will be able to contribute to the progress of national and regional development where they come from.
All of these Papuan graduates are also part of about 28 Papuan youths and women who were sent to study in the state of Oregon. They receive scholarship support from the special autonomy fund as an effort to improve human resources for the Papuan people. Since the scholarship program was launched, there have been no less than 1,000 recipients of scholarships for Papuan students and around 600 of them have studied abroad, including in Oregon, USA.
Indonesia is a large country consisting of many islands. This caused some treatment differences that urban areas and 3T areas (“Tertinggal” Lagged, “Terdepan” Frontier and “Terluar” Outermost) had to experience.
Starting from internet access, transportation and even educational facilities for the young generation. However, there is good news from the easternmost island of Indonesia. Papua Province in the near future will soon have an international standard campus. On top of that the campus which will be called International University of Papua, is said to be a competitor to Harvard University in the United States.
This is after the central government officially received the Decree (Surat Keputusan) of the Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Mendikbud Ristek) number 24/E/O/2022 regarding the permit for the establishment and inauguration of the International University of Papua (UIP) on Monday (14/2/2022).
Leading Faculty in UIP
This step was taken as the government’s support in the education sector by advancing human resources in Papua.
Quoting from the Instagram account of the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research and Technology (Ditjen Diktiristek), Wednesday (16/2/2022), UIP has two leading faculties, namely: 1. Science and Technology 2. Teacher Training and Education.
UIP is also equipped with an International Research Center to support student learning.
Bring in teachers from Papua and abroad
The campus will bring in teachers from Papua and abroad Indonesia with background knowledge that is in accordance with the needs of UIP as an acceleration of progress in the Land of Papua.
The construction of the International University of Papua (UIP) campus is part of the efforts to accelerate development of Human Resources in Papua. This step is also part of the President’s focus in the realization of Presidential Instruction No. 09.2020 concerning the Acceleration of Welfare Development in Papua.
The Presidential Staff Office (KSP) appreciates the establishment of this International University which was marked by the Decree of the Permit to Establish the International University of Papua by the Head of the Higher Education Service Institution (LLDIKTI) Region XIV (14) Papua and West Papua, Suriel S Mofu, the Organizing Committee for the International University of Papua, Samuel Tabuni in Jayapura.
Producing qualified human resources in Papua
In addition, KSP appreciates the issuance of the decree and sees that UIP can contribute in producing an international quality of human resources (HR) in Papua.
Moreover, the Papua region has strategic potential in developing international education cooperation considering it is close to other countries such as Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand which have good diplomatic relations with Pacific countries.
In the future, it is hoped that UIP can facilitate the need of improving the quality of education in Eastern part of Indonesia through affirmations and accelerating the development of Papua’s welfare.
Deputy II of the Presidential Chief of Staff, Abetnego Tarigan, said that UIP is expected to be a beam of light from the east as a new foundation for the development in Eastern Indonesia.
“With the existence of UIP, it can increase competitiveness as well as to improve performance and upgrade potential workforce who are qualified in their fields,” said Abetnego.
Papua Governor Lukas Enembe said he hoped that all infrastructure developed for the Games could become an opportunity for reviving Papua in all aspects, in both sports and economics.
The splendor of the Lukas Enembe Stadium complex in Harapan Village, Nolokla Village, East Sentani District, Jayapura Regency, Papua, Tuesday (28/9/2021).
The image of a backward Papua province has slowly faded with the construction of magnificent infrastructure facilities for the National Games Papua 2021 currently being held in the province.
JAYAPURA, KOMPAS – The National Games (PON) Papua 2021 has changed the face of Papua, especially in host regions such as Jayapura city, Jayapura regency, Mimika regency, and Merauke regency. The image that the province nicknamed “Bumi Cenderawasih” (the earth of the birds-of-paradise) is being left behind has begun to disappear following the construction of magnificent sports infrastructures for the quadrennial sporting event.
Three large buildings with contrasting shapes stand among the residential areas and shop houses on the road from the Sentani Airport, Jayapura regency, to the Kampung Harapan area, about 10 kilometers away.
The three buildings are the Istora Lukas Enembe indoor sports arena, Lukas Enembe Aquatic Center, and Lukas Enembe Stadium. The three buildings, located in the Lukas Enembe Sports complex, are new and modern sports arenas built specially for the Games.
Lukas Enembe Aquatic Center is the second largest international-standard pool complex in the country after the Senayan Aquatic Center in Central Jakarta. The building is also the third modern indoor aquatic arena after the Jakabaring Aquatic Center in Palembang, South Sumatra, and the Senayan Aquatic Center. Licensed by the International Swimming Federation (FINA) last year, all records made there are internationally recognized.
Lukas Enembe Stadium is considered the largest football stadium in eastern Indonesia. The stadium has fully enclosed stands with a 40,000 seating capacity. Public Works and Housing (PUPR) Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said in Jayapura on Friday (1/10/2021) that he hoped the local governments in the four regions hosting the Games could maintain the newly built sporting facilities, such as by holding local championships.
“In hosting the quadrennial sporting event, visitors could see that Papua had great development potential, the governor added.“
Papua Governor Lukas Enembe said he hoped that all infrastructure developed for the Games could become an opportunity for reviving Papua in all aspects, in both sports and economics. In hosting the quadrennial sporting event, visitors could see that Papua had great development potential, the governor added.
Colorful lights illuminate the Youtefa Red Bridge, which connects the Trans Papua Road in Jayapura, Papua, Thursday (30/9/2021).
Meanwhile, the strategic infrastructure director at the PUPR’s Directorate General of Human Settlements, Iwan Suprijanto, said on Friday (24/9) that the ministry had been tasked with building eight PON sports facilities, namely the Aquatic Center, main stadium, cricket field, indoor and outdoor hockey fields, roller skating circuit, as well as the archery and rowing venues.
According to Iwan, the local government proposed a Rp 1.7 trillion construction budget for the sports infrastructure. With some adjustments, the development cost was reduced to Rp 900 billion.
The PUPR Ministry also took part in arranging the areas around the Lukas Enembe Aquatic Arena and Istora, as well as in the cricket and hockey arenas in Doyo Baru village, Waibu district, Jayapura regency, at a cost of Rp 211.7 billion.
The Aquatic Center had the largest construction costs reaching Rp 401 billion, while the construction of the other sports infrastructure, such as the Istora, cost Rp 278.5 billion, the cricket and hockey arena Rp 288.3 billion, followed by the rowing arena, archery, and roller skating venues at Rp 128.2 billion.
The captain of the Jakarta women’s water polo team, Ariel Dyah Cininda Siwabessy (27), did not expect Papua would be able to build such a magnificent aquatic center. According to her, the Papua Aquatic Center is no different from the Senayan Aquatic Center, except that it has a lower seating capacity and warmer water.
In addition to building the sports arenas, the government has also prepared supporting infrastructure such as roads and bridges. One of the most iconic is the Youtefa Bay Red Bridge in Jayapura city, located not far from the PON rowing venue.
Randy Sambono (27), a resident of Abepura, Jayapura regency, acknowledged that many changes had taken place in Papua ahead of the quadrennial sports event. “I am also proud because my hometown could be developed like other areas in Indonesia,” said the Javanese-Maluku man, who was born in Jayapura.
In Mimika, the central and regional governments had widened the main roads in Timika from 5 meters to 10 meters over the last three years. According to Nauval Latuapo (46), an Ambonese native who has lived in Timika for 20 years, the main roads in Papua were now more orderly and cleaner.
Papuan football star, Boaz Solossa, carries the fire torch of National Sports Week (PON) Papua 2021 to the Mayor Office of Jayapura, Papua, Friday (1/10/2021).
The residents were very grateful for this, because it minimized road congestion. “Now, the vehicle [flow] is faster. The city is also growing. We hope this can fuel further economic growth here,” said Nauval.
The private sector has also supported the Games. PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) president director Clayton Allen Wenas said on Friday that the copper mining giant had contributed to the success of PON by providing sports infrastructure, athlete training facilities, bonuses for Papuan medal-winners, and Covid-19 mitigation.
PTFI built the Mimika Sports Complex (MSC), which will host the basketball and athletics events. The marathon and race walking events were also held at the PTFI area in Kuala Kencana.
According to Wenas, PTFI constructed the MSC construction in 2014-2016 at a cost of Rp 468 billion. The MSC will be inaugurated on 5 Oct. PTFI also provided Rp 15 billion in sponsorship for the Games.
Jakarta – The sky toll infrastructure will speed up the process of achieving equitable national development, as all Indonesian regions will be able to access high-speed internet, Vice President Ma’ruf Amin stated.
At the virtual opening of the Raja Ampat E-Festival 2021, themed “Voyage to Digital Community,” from Jakarta on Monday, Amin noted that sky toll is a project to accelerate growth and equalization of national development.
High-speed nationwide broadband network connects Indonesia from the city of Merauke in the East to Sabang Island in the West.
The government has readied the Digital Indonesia Road Map 2021-2024 that also encompasses the sky toll to connect all regions in the country with its varied geographical conditions, Amin stated.
The vice president affirmed that infrastructure was also expected to speed up development in Papua and West Papua.
“Success of the sky toll program will boost innovation and accelerate and expand digital economic and financial integration in West Papua and Papua into the national digital ecosystem,” Amin stated.
Hence, the vice president has urged the local administration, the central bank BI, and private sector to collaborate in improving the digital environment in remote areas.
Development of digital literacy will boost public welfare through the tourism sector as well as micro, small, and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs), among others.
The Communication and Informatics Ministry should also expand the coverage of the national digitalization program, such as the Digital Leadership Academy, Digital Talent Scholarship, and the National Movement of Digital Cybercreative Literacy to Papua and West Papua, Amin stated.
Special Staff Billy Mambrasar and Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Suharso Monoarfa
Special Staff (Staf Khusus/Stafsus) of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Billy Mambrasar introduced five Main Programs for the Acceleration of Development in Papua and West Papua. The five programs were explained during the webinar “Untukmu Indonesiaku – Building a Sustainable Indonesia from the East”. The programs, which will be run by Papuan youths, are an implementation of Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2020.
“Pak Jokowi’s commitment to advancing Papua, developing the Papuan people, has not changed. He therefore issued Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2020 on the Acceleration of Development in Papua and West Papua, in which Indigenous Papuans will be the main target of the welfare improvement program, ” said Billy. He stated that this program is called Bringing Change (Bawa Perubahan) or Baper. He hopes that this program can help solve problems in Papua and West Papua, especially with regard to the welfare and development of indigenous Papuans.
“We hope that this program will create thousands of new jobs for children of indigenous Papuans and create multiple positive economic impacts on Papua and West Papua,” said Billy. These positive impacts include a reduction in the unemployment and poverty rate, as well as increase in the welfare of the people of Papua and West Papua. The five plans for accelerating development that were initiated by Billy are as follows:
1. Papua Youth Creative Hub
The Papua Youth Creative Hub is aimed at creating young Papuan entrepreneurs and creating management of training ecosystem and business capital by Papua Muda Inspirasi (PMI). He said this program will be directly monitored by the President and is expected to bring in 100 young entrepreneurs from Papua and West Papua in the MSME sector, startups, and creative industry.
2. Millennial farmers
The second program is creating one hundred thousand of Millennial Farmers. This is already being implemented in ten provinces, including Papua and West Papua. The program from the Ministry of Agriculture is expected to produce 20 thousand farmers in the two easternmost provinces of Indonesia, and 80 thousand farmers in eight other provinces. This program is a combination of technical and economic training, as well as partnerships with market.
3. Papuan Talent Management Website
Billy plans to launch a Papuan Talent Management (Manajemen Talenta Papua/MTP) website that will contain information on the best indigenous Papuan children. They will be given training on an ongoing basis and be linked to job opportunities in various sectors. This program will be managed directly under the supervision of the Director General for Regional Autonomy, the Ministry of Home Affairs.
4. Non-formal learning centers
Non-formal learning centers will be established to provide more access to education. With these learning centers, Billy hoped that the community will acquire new skills which are adapted to the local context in the Papua and West Papua regions. This program is directly supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture.
5. Bootcamp Policy for Papua
The Policy Bootcamp for Papua is an application and website where the government can receive inputs and policy advice for all components of Papuan society, especially the youth. This website is expected to be managed by the Papua Desk, Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency, in direct coordination with the Presidential Staff Office of the Republic of Indonesia. Input from the community can then be directly implemented in cross-ministerial/institutional work programs.
Our friends at Papua West Media made a video showing what Papuans think of the development in Papua, especially Trans-Papua road.
Benjamin Akemi for example he used to walk through the valley and mountains to reach the school where he teach everyday. He and others locals finally get the benefit from the development in West Papua.
Jakarta – The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) continues the completion of the 1,098 km border road near Indonesia-Papua New Guinea (PNG) border spanning from Merauke to Jayapura. It is part of the President Jokowi instructions to develop and open access to isolated areas and improve life of the communities.
“The development of the border area is needed by the border community to create new economic growths in the border region,” said PUPR Minister, Basuki Hadimuljono.
One of the border road sections that is currently under construction is the Oksibil-Towe Hitam – Ubrup – Jayapura Road (5.52 km). The construction starts from KM 15.5 to KM 21.2 in Pegunungan Bintang District. The main challenge in border road development in Papua is its natural conditions which are still covered by tropical forests, mountains and extreme weather. Also the availability of construction materials which still is limited in Papua.
“This work is carried out in few stages considering the terrain that makes it hard to access, we have to cross steep mountains and forests which make it difficult for construction workers to mobilize the tools,” said Minister Basuki.
The current stage is carried out by the contractor PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) using state budget amounting Rp 108.5 billion. The construction will take 376 days since the beginning of 2018.
Although it is still a dirt road, this new road provides tangible benefits to the border community in Papua. The travel time between the regional economic center which was originally in the number of weeks by foot, is shorten to days because now the vehicles can cross. If the road conditions gets better, then the travel time will be shortened to hours.
Meanwhile, the 111 km road constructed from Sota – Erambu – Bupul is fully paved. Furthermore, the 38 km Bupul-Muting section and the 195 km Muting-Boven Digoel section also have been paved so vehicles can easily pass. Of the total 1,098 km border road from Merauke – Jayapura, by the end of 2018, 919 km have been connected. (*)
Source: Public Communication Bureau Ministry of PUPR
The newly polished Indonesia-Papua New Guinea (PNG) integrated border post in Skouw, Papua is now being a new tourist destination as ordered by President Joko Widodo. The building that stands as the border of Indonesia and PNG looks different than ever before. Officially opened on May 2017, it was built and designed with the cultural taste of Skouw.
The twin building outer design, a replication of entangled spouses, symbolizes the value of unity. Other distinguished cultural patterns and symbols are also embellished on every side of the building. Not only Skouw patterns, we can also find gecko patterns as a symbol of people in the border as well as a shield design on it.
Second Stage Construction
Currently, the main zone of Skouw border post includes the building which has been officially launched. Meanwhile, the construction of the second zone has begun and is expected to finish by the end of this year. The second stage construction includes the building of a church, a mosque, a market with 400 stands, a plenary hall, Wisma Indonesia (Indonesian House), and residential area for the staffs, police and military officers. The security fences and sea cliff’s fences would be built consecutively. Once the fences are erected, there would be no opening for illegal routes, eliminating the possibility of illegal border crossers.
“The first stage construction has completed. The second stage has reached 80 percent and to be wrapped up this year. There is two-hectares area for the national development,” Frans Imbiri, the Deputy of Skouw Border Post Area Development, explained in Muara Tami District, Jayapura (24/5).
Tourist Site and School’s Visit Destination
Not only Skouw Integrated Border Post is a symbol of a rapid development in border area, it is hyped as a new tourist site. Looking back to the old days, most border areas are usually crowded by visitors only during the market days. Now, there is no day without visitors coming from all regions, simply to take photos around the border post.
In order to anticipate the increasing numbers of visitors, the building of public toilets is included in the development agenda. Currently, there have been 10 toilets available inside the main building, and the construction for 10 additional toilets outside the building will soon be started.
Administrator of Skouw Integrated Border Post, Yan Z. Numberi said that President Jokowi instructed that this border post should be made as a new tourist destination. Therefore, people from any region can come and see. According to Yan, tourists’ enthusiasm is lived up after the post launching a year ago.
“Before the construction, the area was only used to cross the border. Not many people passing by here. But now thousands of people from all area of Indonesia visit it as a tourist destination,” Yan explained.
Most of the visitors come to the border post to take pictures of several unique and distinguished spots, such as the SKOUW sign in front of the post, the red-white Border Post of Indonesia sign, the front-side of the Garuda statue, and green areas around the post as well as the border gate. Some even asked the military officers to take picture together.
Not only tourists, groups of students often come to witness the new building of Skouw integrated border post. One of the groups visiting the border on the weekend are children from Children Empowerment Center in Skanto District, Keerom Regency. Those kids wearing green uniform walk along the border area to the neutral zone between Indonesia and PNG while listening to the the tour guide.
“We want to show the children the border and the monument. Many children haven’t been here before, thus we want to introduce them to our country’s border,” Yusfita, the tutor explained.
The development of this mega project in Papua and West papua provinces will give better access within these provinces. Moreover, it will make traveling within Papua and West Papua to Raja Ampat easier and faster. With the distance of 4,325 km, Trans Papua road is already 85 percents completed. It will accommodate access and connectivity between central activities in Papua province and West Papua which includes Raja Ampat. These central activities are; Sorong, Timika, and Jayapura in Papua province, and Manokwari, Raja Ampat and Tanah Merah in West Papua province. Trans Papua road will cover two routes in each provinces of Papua and West Papua.
Raja Ampat has been the darling destination for divers and travelers around the world for quite some time. Its name is synonymous with beautiful beaches, clear blue sea and breathtaking underwater scenery. In Indonesia, the name Raja Ampat has just recently become popular. The reason why Raja Ampat’s name was initially not popular in its own country is because of the expensive trip to Raja Ampat. It was said that, because of the difficult access, one domestic trip to Raja Ampat can cost as much as one trip to Europe. This might be why domestic travelers have opted traveling abroad instead.
However, all of this would soon change for the better. With new infrastructure developments in Papua and Raja Ampat in particular, more people would be able to gain access to Raja Ampat. With cheaper costs and better convenience, pricey and challenging travel to Raja Ampat would soon be a thing of history.
With the new developments, beside improving access in Raja Ampat, it can also boost Raja Ampat’s tourism. With better infrastructures, not only will the tourists gain benefit, it would also give benefits to the local people of Papua. More economic boost, and source of income, as well as the direct benefit of better transportation.
So what are these new developments in tourist infrastructure? Lets see!
Marinda Airport
With such a long runway for a local airport (1,600 meters), which is the same as in the big cities of Indonesia, it can accommodate large aircrafts. Marinda Airport will be able to provide direct flight to Raja Ampat. No more long and arduous transits to Raja Ampat. Fly directly to Raja Ampat!
Dominique Edward Osok Airport (Sorong) Renovation
With the renovation of Edward Osok airport, foreign tourists will have better experience during their arrival. This can provide better international access for Raja Ampat. This means better gateway to Papua in general, and Raja Ampat in particular.
Bahari Express Fast Boat
This water transportation provides fast Water transportation from Sorong, as the nearest place of central activities in Papua, to tourist attractions In Raja Ampat. This boat will take you straight from Sorong to Waisai port in Waigeo island, Raja Ampat. Enjoy the water trip with a wonderful scenery along the way.
Waigeo Ring Road
With the distance of 757 km, Waigeo ring road will give way better access to 26 coastal villages in East and West Waigeo. This ring road is expected to give better connectivity between the four Islands of Raja Ampat. Raja Ampat itself means Four Kings, referring to the four islands in Raja Ampat, which are Misool, Salavat, Batanta, Waigeo and Kofiau.
The development of this mega project in Papua and West papua provinces will give better access within these provinces. Moreover, it will make traveling within Papua and West Papua to Raja Ampat easier and faster. With the distance of 4,325 km, Trans Papua road is already 85 percents completed. It will accommodate access and connectivity between central activities in Papua province and West Papua which includes Raja Ampat. These central activities are; Sorong, Timika, and Jayapura in Papua province, and Manokwari, Raja Ampat and Tanah Merah in West Papua province. Trans Papua road will cover two routes in each provinces of Papua and West Papua.
West Papua province’s route: Manowari-Sorong, Manokwari-Bintuni, Fakfak-Hurimber-Bomberay, dan Sorong-Mega.
Tourism Facilities’ Renovation in Painemo Island
For better convenience and better service for tourists in Raja Ampat, currently there are renovations for tourism facilities in Painemo Island. Facilities such as toilets, souvenir shops, local handicraft stalls, and many others are being revamped in this Raja Ampat’s tourist destination. In the future, the renovation will expand to other touristic areas in Raja Ampat.
WEST PAPUA NOW 