DPD RI pushes Southwest Papua to become a model for accelerated development
A member of the Regional Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) for the Southwest Papua electoral district, Paul Finsen Mayor, is pushing for Southwest Papua to become a model of accelerated development in order to improve the welfare of communities in the Land of Papua.
Paul Finsen Mayor said his side would champion development programmes through the central government and the relevant ministries and agencies, given that the economic conditions of local communities remain a concern amid budget efficiency policies.
“We will arrange a direct channel to the President and the ministries and agencies, because the Papua Executive Committee has been given the authority to accelerate development programmes,” he said after a meeting between DPD RI Committee I and the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua, along with all the regents and mayors of Southwest Papua, in the city of Sorong on Saturday.
The meeting discussed various strategic programmes for accelerating development that will be promoted at the regency, city and provincial levels in Southwest Papua.
“Our hope is that there will be tangible proof, real work, cooperation, and everyone working together. That is what matters in building Southwest Papua,” he said.
He explained that various programme proposals from regional governments will be discussed together with the ministries and agencies, the Minister of State Secretariat, and up to the President, so that they can be translated into development programmes receiving special support.
He also highlighted the obstacles still faced by communities in developing economic activities, one of which is the limited space resulting from the status of conservation zones and protected forests.
“In Papua, many areas fall within conservation zones; the sea is conserved, and there are protected forests as well. Meanwhile, the people need space to work and develop their economy,” he said.
For this reason, together with the Papua Executive Committee, he will continue to push for accelerated development so that the people of Southwest Papua can directly feel the benefits of development.
“Southwest Papua is too good not to be developed. We want this region to become the most advanced city in the Land of Papua and one of the leading regions in Eastern Indonesia,” said Paul.