Jasmine Moore | Papuan Observer
In the era of President Jokowi’s administration, development in Papua was accelerated and multiplied. Various infrastructures ranging from bridges, roads, to airports, are made for the sake of the community. The construction of this public facility will facilitate the mobility of residents in Bumi Cendrawasih.
Previously, Papua was synonymous with areas that were not touched by modernity and received negative stereotypes. But now the situation is the other way around. Bumi Cendrawasih has become one of the favorite tourist destinations for local and foreign tourists and has turned into a modern and rapidly developing area.
Progress in Papua is the fruit of the government’s seriousness in building various infrastructures. First, there is the Trans Papua Road which stretches for more than 4,000 KM. This road will make the travel time during the trip so shortened. If you used to want to go to another village, it could be a day and night because there was only a footpath, now it only takes a few hours.
The long and smooth Trans Papua road will benefit the Papuan people whose profession is as a trader. They can send goods to be sold faster, so they are trusted by customers. So that the business will run smoothly and get the maximum profit.
With the Trans Papua Road, the cost of shipping goods is also increasingly economical. Because previously it had to be via air, now it can be via Jalan Tans Papua. So there is no need to buy expensive avtur, but just ordinary gasoline. When shipping costs are reduced, the price of goods will automatically decrease, so that it is the people who benefit.
In addition, good and smooth road access will make it easier for people to get access to health. When they are sick, they can take their motorbike via Jalan Tans Papua to a clinic or health center. Or when the situation is urgent, ambulances and other vehicles carrying doctors or midwives can pass that way and save patients more quickly.
Elisa Nian, Head of Bring Village, Jayapura Regency, stated that road infrastructure is very useful for building a village. This is a testament to the concern of the Indonesian government. In a sense, civilians also benefit from this infrastructure development.
Another infrastructure that makes Papua’s face look different is the Sentani International Airport. This airport looks very modern with an elegant exterior design. With an airport that has international standards, it will attract foreign tourists to travel to Papua after the pandemic.
That way, the Papuan regional government will benefit from the many foreign tourists who are attracted to the exoticism of Raja Ampat and Mount Jayawijaya. In addition, the community also benefits because they can sell Papuan souvenirs and food and drinks for these tourists.
In addition to the Sentani international airport and the Trans Papua highway, another infrastructure being built in Papua is the Youtefa Bridge. Once there is this bridge, then between Skouw (border with Papua New Guinea) and Jayapura can be connected directly and the distance is only 60 minutes. So it will be advantageous in terms of transportation.
With so many infrastructures being built, the community gets a lot of benefits, ranging from ease of access to transportation, speed of mobility, to predicting lower prices for goods. Civilians will be happy because they are cared for by the government and their lives will be better, because Papua is increasingly modern.
“Development in Papua facilitates the mobility of the Papuan people”
Infrastructure development in Papua is not a show off from the central government or regional governments, but is intended for the welfare of the people. People can go to health facilities more quickly. They can also start trading food, drinks, and souvenirs for foreign tourists, who are interested in coming to Papua because the infrastructure is very smooth.
