Wamena, Indonesia – The Papua Highlands Provincial Government has called for accelerated investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, emphasizing that stronger public services are essential to improving the quality of life across the province’s eight regencies.
Speaking at a gathering of the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP) in Wamena, Assistant for Economic Affairs and Development at the Papua Highlands Regional Secretariat, Elai Giban, said expanding road connectivity and improving access to quality education and healthcare remain among the government’s top development priorities.
According to Giban, Indigenous Papuans share the same aspirations as communities across Indonesia—to achieve sustainable development, better public services, and greater economic opportunities. He stressed that continued support from the central government is needed to ensure equitable development throughout the region.
“Improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment will create stronger foundations for long-term prosperity in Papua Highlands,” Giban said.
He added that policies designed to strengthen human resources, particularly among Indigenous Papuan youth, will play a decisive role in shaping the region’s future. Investments in education and healthcare, he noted, are expected to produce lasting benefits for future generations.
Giban also acknowledged the Indonesian central government’s ongoing commitment to Papua through road construction projects, improvements in healthcare services supported by the Ministry of Health, and educational opportunities that allow Papuan students to pursue their studies outside the region.
Representing Papua Highlands Governor John Tabo, Giban delivered the remarks during the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP) meeting held in Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency, where regional leaders discussed development priorities for Papua.
