Deputy Home Affairs Minister Urges Timely Completion of Strategic Projects in Papua

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Ribka Haluk has stressed that the construction of various strategic infrastructure projects in Papua must be completed according to target in order to drive economic growth and improve community welfare. The assertion was made by Ribka whilst accompanying Deputy Public Works Minister Diana Kusumastuti during an inspection of several strategic infrastructure projects in Jayapura Regency and Keerom Regency, Papua, on Tuesday. “Infrastructure development must provide tangible benefits for the community. The roads built must be able to open up access, strengthen connectivity, support the agricultural and tourism sectors, and drive the regional economy,” Ribka said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday. The working visit began with an inspection of a road section being built through the Presidential Instruction on Regional Roads programme in Skory Village, Jayapura Regency. According to Ribka, infrastructure development must act as a driver of economic activity whilst expanding community access to basic services. The delegation also visited the Papua Youth Creative Hub to review the readiness of facilities projected to become a centre for developing creativity, innovation, and empowerment for the young generation of Papua. Subsequently, Ribka and Diana inspected the construction of the Groundwater Irrigation Network in Arso XIV, Keerom Regency, which is part of the implementation of Presidential Instruction Number 2 of 2025 concerning Food Self-Sufficiency. During a dialogue with farmer groups, the community proposed the provision of agricultural tools and machinery and requested that the government prioritise farmer group-based agricultural development programmes. Responding to these aspirations, Ribka stressed that the success of the food self-sufficiency programme requires synergy between the central government, regional governments, and the community. “The success of the food self-sufficiency programme requires collaboration from all parties. Community aspirations must be part of the planning so that the programmes implemented truly address the needs on the ground,” she said. In Keerom Regency, the delegation also inspected the Al Fitrah Islamic Elementary School. The inspection results showed that the school renovation had met technical specifications, although additional smart board facilities and classrooms are still needed and will be coordinated with the relevant ministry.