DPD RI pushes Southwest Papua to become a model for accelerated development

Senator Paul Finsen Mayor, representing Southwest Papua, is pushing for the province to become a pilot project for accelerated development to improve the welfare of the Papuan people. He stated that he will oversee development programmes through the central government and relevant ministries and agencies, noting that the community’s economic condition remains a concern amidst budget efficiency policies. “We will arrange a direct line to the President and ministries/agencies because the Papua Executive Committee has been given the authority to accelerate development programmes,” he said following a meeting in Sorong between DPD RI Committee I, the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Papua’s Special Autonomy Development, and regents and mayors from across Southwest Papua. The meeting discussed various strategic programmes to be pushed at the district, city, and provincial levels. Mayor expressed hope for tangible results, stating, “We hope for real evidence, real work, cooperation, and working together. That is what is important to develop Southwest Papua.” He explained that proposals from local governments will be discussed with ministries, the State Secretary Minister, and the President to secure special support. He also highlighted obstacles faced by communities in developing economic activities, particularly limited space due to conservation areas and protected forests. “In Papua, many areas are designated as conservation zones, marine areas are conserved, and there are protected forests. Meanwhile, the community needs space to work and develop the economy,” he said. Consequently, he and the Papua Executive Committee will continue to push for accelerated development so that the people of Southwest Papua can directly benefit. “Southwest Papua is too good not to be developed. We want this region to become the most advanced city in Tanah Papua and one of the leading regions in Eastern Indonesia,” Paul concluded.