All Presidents Pay Attention to Papua, But Jokowi is Extraordinary

Every time there is a figure. Every president has his time. So far, Papua has received relative attention from every president who leads this nation. However, the figure of President Jokowi is considered more attentive to the Earth of Cenderawasih.

This statement was made by the Ambassador of Civil Service for Papua, Michael Manufandu. He assessed that all Indonesian presidents are very concerned with Papua. However, during his six years in office, Jokowi gave extraordinary attention. The proof is based on data owned by Michael Manufandu, President Jokowi has visited Papua 15 times.

“It used to be limited in infrastructure such as bridges and now it is increasing rapidly. The price of fuel tariffs has also been the same as in other regions,” said Michael Manufandu in a Papua Podcast webinar discussion held by the European Association for Indonesia.

Michael claimed to be a witness that development in Papua is very advanced, even more advanced than the pacific countries. Now a 4,231 km long road has been built. As a result, Papua, which consists of 42 regencies and 560 districts, can be passed by car. “The airport has even 5 international runways. It used to be dark, now it gets electricity. This is a spectacular progress," he explained.

According to him, currently the central government is granting the widest possible autonomy to Papua. Local governments in Papua have the authority to large budgets. The government did not intervene with this extraordinary budget.

“In other provinces it is not like that. I always advise the Governor that you use this trust as best you can. The Papua Special Autonomy Fund is a brilliant policy,” he said.

One form of the use of the special autonomy funds is in the education sector. Namely, providing scholarships for Papuan children so that they can study at home and abroad.

SOURCE: https://www.jawapos.com/nasional/04/07/2021/all-presidential-perhatian-dengan-papua-tapi-jokowi-luar-luar/