Jakarta — Vice President Gibran Rakabuming emphasized that accelerating development in Papua requires the active involvement of young people, including those from interfaith youth organizations. He delivered this message during an audience with the Central Executive Board (PP) of Pemuda Katolik at the Vice Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Wednesday (November 26, 2025).
The meeting aligned with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to involve young generations more strategically in national development agendas, particularly in Papua.
During the discussion, the Vice President highlighted the importance of dialogue, inclusive communication, and collaboration among youth organizations to strengthen unity and social stability.
“Interfaith youth must help foster effective dialogue and national consolidation to maintain unity and harmony, because that is the key to development,” said Chairman of PP Pemuda Katolik, Stefanus Gusma, conveying the Vice President’s message.
The Vice President also encouraged Pemuda Katolik to strengthen coordination with the government and strategic institutions, including the newly established Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Papua Development. He ensured that collaboration opportunities are wide open to ensure fast, targeted, and community-driven initiatives.
“We received a direct response to immediately communicate and hold an audience with the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Papua Development, which was formed just one month ago. We will be connected directly so everything aligns well,” Gusma stated.
In addition to collaboration, the Vice President asked young people to carry out a public oversight function over the implementation of development programs in Papua. He stressed that criticism is necessary as long as it is delivered constructively and supported by field data.
“So we, as interfaith youth, are asked to remain critical—but constructively critical. If there are issues on the ground, they must be reported immediately,” Gusma explained.
He further conveyed that Pemuda Katolik has established the Papua Task Force, a special structure focused on empowerment, education, and capacity building for Papuan communities. This program is designed in line with the government’s priorities of inclusive and community-based development.
“Since the Vice President is the Head of the Steering Committee, he welcomed these issues very positively. He will bring them into discussions with the President and the committee responsible for accelerating Papua’s development,” he added.
The audience reflects the government’s commitment to opening space for youth contribution and positioning interfaith organizations as strategic partners in fostering more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development in Papua.
Also present at the meeting were PP Pemuda Katolik Deputy Chairmen Fredy Simamora and Bondan Wicaksono, as well as Chairman of the Papua Task Force, Melkior Sitokdana.
