PGGP: Development in Papua Must Accommodate Local Wisdom

The government’s aim to accelerate development is commendable, but the approach is flawed. Building Papua should not be viewed through a Jakarta lens. Manokwari (ANTARA) – The West Papua Provincial United Church of Papua (PGGP) has stressed that development in Papua must accommodate local wisdom to ensure government programs are accepted and benefit indigenous communities. PGGP West Papua Chairman Pastor Daniel Sukan, speaking in Manokwari on Tuesday, said development planning should not solely focus on infrastructure and economic growth but must respect the cultural identity and rights of indigenous peoples. “The central government’s perspective on accelerating development in Papua consistently fails to understand the contextual reality. This must change,” he said. According to Daniel, regional development approaches that disregard local indigenous characteristics risk triggering resistance, as each tribe and region in Papua has distinct traditions, norms, and lifestyles. “The government’s aim to accelerate development is indeed positive, but the methods are misguided. Building Papua should not be done with a Jakarta-centric view,” Daniel stated. He explained that most indigenous communities in Papua view land not merely as an economic asset but as a mother or life source imbued with spiritual, social, identity, historical origin, ancestral heritage, and tribal dignity. PGGP urges the government and stakeholders to prioritise dialogue with indigenous communities before implementing strategic policies, particularly those related to natural resource management, investment, and infrastructure development. He also suggested solutions for the government, such as implementing a land lease system alongside local wisdom-based approaches in infrastructure and investment projects, to ensure indigenous communities receive compensation. This addresses the tendency of indigenous communities to permanently sell ancestral land, while also strengthening cultural preservation efforts and enhancing public participation in supporting government initiatives. “What Papuans need is access to quality healthcare services in remote areas without cost. If Papuans are healthy, they can attend school properly, and only then can they focus on economic matters,” Daniel said.