Deputy Home Minister Reviews Papua Infrastructure, Ensures Development Benefits Communities
Deputy Home Minister Ribka Haluk accompanied Deputy Public Works Minister Diana Kusumastuti on an inspection of several strategic infrastructure projects in Jayapura and Keerom Regencies, Papua, on Tuesday (14/7). The inspection aimed to ensure that various government priority programmes, from road construction and irrigation to educational facilities and coastal protection, are progressing according to target and providing real benefits to the community.
The visit began with an inspection of the Presidential Instruction (Inpres) on Regional Roads project in Skory Village, Jayapura Regency. Ribka emphasised that infrastructure development must act as a driver of regional economic growth and improve community welfare. “Infrastructure development must provide real benefits to the community. The roads built must be able to open access, strengthen connectivity, support the agricultural and tourism sectors, and drive the regional economy,” Ribka stated in a written statement on Wednesday (15/7/2026).
The delegation then proceeded to the Papua Youth Creative Hub to review the readiness of facilities projected as a centre for developing creativity, innovation, and empowerment for the young generation of Papua.
From Jayapura Regency, the group travelled to Keerom Regency to inspect the construction of the Groundwater Irrigation Network (JIAT) in Arso XIV, part of the implementation of Presidential Instruction Number 2 of 2025 concerning Food Self-Sufficiency. During a dialogue with farmer groups, the community conveyed several aspirations, including the need for agricultural tools and machinery and a proposal that farmer group-based agricultural programmes be prioritised. Responding to this, Ribka stressed the importance of synergy between the central government, local government, and the community in supporting national food security. “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 needs on the ground,” she said.
The inspection continued to Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Al Fitrah. Overall, the school renovation met technical specifications, although there was still a need for smart board facilities and additional classrooms, which will be coordinated with the relevant ministry.
Still in Keerom Regency, Ribka and the delegation inspected the construction of the Warbo Road, which is part of the Inpres Regional Roads Programme. The community expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to improving connectivity in Papua and hoped that the Rice Field Printing Programme would soon be realised. In response, Ribka expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Public Works for continuing to accelerate infrastructure development in Papua. She also conveyed gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto for his commitment to driving equitable development in Papua.
The working visit concluded with an inspection of the Holtekamp Beach coastal protection project. Based on the review, the construction of the embankment is considered important to protect strategic infrastructure in the coastal area from abrasion. Ribka affirmed that the results of the inspection would be used for cross-ministerial coordination to ensure that priority programmes are completed on target and that the benefits of development are truly felt by the community. The delegation is scheduled to continue their working visit to Merauke Regency, South Papua Province.