Accelerating Infrastructure Development in Papua as a National Equity Strategy
By: Elias Sondegau
The government continues to prioritize accelerating infrastructure development in Papua. This effort aims not only to provide physical facilities but also serves as a crucial strategy for opening up isolated regions, expanding economic opportunities, and improving the quality of life for the community. With its rich natural resources and socio-cultural diversity, Papua is a priority region on the national development agenda.
One concrete step underway is the collaboration between PT Asuransi Kredit Indonesia (Askrindo), a member of the Indonesia Financial Group (IFG) holding company, and the Papua Regional Development Bank (BPD). This collaboration strengthens the financing of infrastructure projects through construction credit insurance with an estimated coverage value of up to IDR 900 billion per year. Askrindo’s Business Director, Budhi Novianto, believes that this financing guarantee will provide more room for local contractors to participate in strategic projects. He believes that secure and structured credit distribution will open new economic opportunities, create jobs, and strengthen the family economy in Papua.
This type of financial support becomes even more relevant when considering data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Papua Province, which recorded regional economic growth of 3.91 percent in the first quarter of 2025. This growth indicates that development is beginning to have a positive impact, although acceleration is still needed to reach the community more equitably. Infrastructure development, supported by guaranteed financing, not only strengthens the economic foundation but also ensures the sustainability of development amidst Papua’s challenging geographic and social conditions.
Furthermore, infrastructure development also touches vital aspects of community life, such as housing. The Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP), Maruarar Sirait, emphasized that building housing for the people of the Papua Highlands is a government priority, as directed by President Prabowo. He believes that the availability of livable housing is not only related to social aspects but also concerns the community’s welfare. The Ministry of PKP is targeting the construction of 2,200 housing units, consisting of 2,000 units for the general public and 200 units for traditional, religious, and community leaders. Maruarar also emphasized that this development is concrete evidence of the state’s commitment to the people, especially in areas with high poverty rates and high living costs.
The Governor of the Papua Highlands, John Tabo, fully supports the housing development program in his region. He believes that involving local contractors in this project will further revitalize the regional economy and create job opportunities for the community. He believes that President Prabowo Subianto’s attention to Papua is now increasingly evident through the construction of decent housing, the benefits of which are directly felt by residents and demonstrate the state’s presence in the community.
Papua’s development is also inseparable from the needs of the health sector. In an interactive dialogue titled “Accelerating Development and Health Services in West Papua,” Dr. Felix Duit, a member of the West Papua Working Group (Pokja) of the Indonesian National Agency for the Assessment and Application of Food and Agriculture (BP3OKP RI), emphasized that accelerating development in the region is part of realizing justice. He stated that community needs are constantly evolving, so development cannot be slow. He believes that synergy between the central and regional governments and related institutions must be strengthened for effective development.
The Head of the West Papua Health Office, Dr. Alwan Rimosan, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of health services as a foundation for development. He acknowledged that health facilities, medical personnel, and service coverage still face limitations. Therefore, his team is committed to strengthening community health centers (Puskesmas), increasing the availability of medical personnel, and utilizing digital technology to reach remote areas. He stated that physical development must go hand in hand with improving the quality of health services, as a healthy community is the primary capital for development.
Another member of the West Papua Working Group, Muga Romanus, added that development and health are two inseparable sectors. He emphasized that without public health, accelerated development will be difficult to achieve. Therefore, every development program in West Papua must always be integrated with efforts to improve health services, so that the benefits of development can be felt in a real and sustainable manner.
