Coordinating Minister AHY pushes for accelerated basic infrastructure development in Papua
Development in Papua must be carried out comprehensively, not only through the construction of road connectivity but also by strengthening basic infrastructure that directly impacts the lives of the community.
he Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), is pushing for accelerated development in Papua.“Development in Papua must be conducted holistically, not just through road connectivity, but also by strengthening basic infrastructure that directly touches the lives of the people,” said Minister AHY in Jayapura on Friday.
According to AHY, infrastructure development is a crucial part of the government’s efforts to reduce inequality and ensure that the benefits of economic development are felt by all Indonesians, including the people of Papua.
“Development, especially economic development, belongs to everyone; it is not just for the people of Java, for example, it belongs to the people of Papua. Moreover, we are striving to reduce poverty and inequality,” stated the Coordinating Minister.
He explained that clean water is a fundamental necessity directly linked to public health, livestock, and agriculture.
“Clean water is the source of life. Without clean water, it is
difficult for all of us to live; life becomes unhealthy, not to mention
for our livestock and our crops. Therefore, clean water is vital,” said
A
AHY.
His office has requested the ranks of the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development to oversee programmes that can increase access to clean water for the community in the region, including the need for decent housing, sanitation facilities (MCK), and latrines.
In the education sector, Minister AHY emphasised that human development must go hand in hand with infrastructure development. He noted that every child must have the opportunity to grow up healthy while receiving a good education.
“Poverty is broken by education,” said AHY.
The government continues to encourage the development and revitalisation of schools, including through the ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ (People’s School) Programme, which is one of the central government’s key initiatives.