Future of Papua's Development to be Initiated at the Strategic Papua Analysis Conference III, Explore Its Vision

For years, Papua’s development has been discussed in terms of large-scale investments, infrastructure, economic growth, and various national accelerated development programmes. Roads have been built, airports expanded, connectivity networks strengthened, and special autonomy funds continuously allocated.

However, behind all these efforts, one fundamental question remains unanswered: whether development truly grows from the way of life, knowledge, and needs of the Papuan people themselves.

This question becomes increasingly important as Papua faces challenges far more complex than mere physical infrastructure issues.

Development disparities between coastal and mountainous areas persist, access to education and health services is uneven, while global changes such as digital transformation, climate change, and the transition to a green economy are presenting new pressures on local communities.

In such a situation, development can no longer rely solely on uniform, top-down approaches. Therefore, the emergence of ethnoscience-based development ideas in Papua is something worth observing.

This approach will be one of the main topics at the Strategic Papua Analysis Conference (APS) III in 2026, to be held from 27–29 May 2026 in Jayapura City, under the theme “Innovations in Papua’s Development Based on Ethnoscience”.

Richard Patty, Chairman of the APS III Conference Committee, stated that this idea seeks to position local knowledge, culture, and the experiences of indigenous communities as important parts in designing Papua’s future.

“This conference serves as a strategic platform to dialogue with various stakeholders in formulating more contextual and evidence-based development policies,” said Richard in his statement on Monday, 11 May 2026.

He explained that the conference is not just an ordinary discussion forum. Behind the theme raised, there is an effort to change the perspective on Papua’s development.

For a long time, development has been understood as a process of bringing modernity from outside into Papua. In fact, Papua’s indigenous communities have actually possessed knowledge systems that have developed for hundreds of years and proven able to maintain a balance of life with nature.

“So indeed, the complexity of development challenges in the Land of Papua cannot be solved only through conventional top-down and uniform approaches. An ethnoscience-based approach becomes an alternative solution that will be able to bridge local wisdom with modern innovation,” said Richard.