We reaffirm the government’s commitment to ensuring that Papua does not fall behind other regions of Indonesia,
Jayapura (ANTARA) – The Indonesian government will hold a coordination meeting on infrastructure and connectivity development involving regional heads from across Papua, as development is considered key to accelerating regional economic growth and improving public welfare.
“Improved connectivity between regions is expected to open up economic access, facilitate the distribution of goods and services, and create new employment opportunities for local communities,” Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) said in Sentani on Thursday.
According to AHY, the ministry will hold the meeting on Friday (September 18) together with regional leaders, including governors, deputy governors, regents, and mayors, to discuss infrastructure and connectivity development in Papua.
He explained that development in Papua requires special attention as the region comprises six provinces and 42 districts with challenging geographical conditions.
AHY said governors from across Papua had previously conveyed various aspirations to the central government regarding development needs, ranging from basic infrastructure to interregional connectivity.
He said the central government would continue to follow up on these aspirations.
Road development in Papua, AHY said, is important to support greater economic activity by improving people’s mobility, expanding business opportunities, and boosting purchasing power.
Maritime connectivity and air transportation development in Papua are also important, AHY said, noting that these efforts could reduce logistics costs while facilitating the movement of people and goods across the region.
The minister said he would use the coordination meeting to engage directly with regional heads and gather their input on infrastructure development priorities in Papua.
“We reaffirm the government’s commitment to ensuring that Papua does not fall behind other regions of Indonesia,” AHY said, adding that economic and infrastructure development are important parts of creating prosperity, security, and welfare for the people of Papua.
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Translator: Bayu Prasetyo
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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