NABIRE – The Central Papua Provincial Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a healthy, inclusive, and high-quality democracy aimed at improving public welfare. This commitment was conveyed during the 2026 Forum Group Discussion (FGD) on the calculation of the Indonesian Democracy Index (IDI) for Central Papua Province, held in Nabire.
Assistant III of the Central Papua Provincial Secretariat, Victor Fun, stated that the democracy index is not merely a statistical figure, but a reflection of the quality of democratic life experienced directly by the community.
According to him, a strong democracy is built upon three main pillars: freedom, equality, and the capacity of democratic institutions. These aspects serve as essential foundations to ensure that every citizen has the space to express opinions, receive fair treatment, and benefit from professional and integrity-driven institutions.
“The democracy index is important because it measures the progress of democracy in our region. However, what matters most is how democracy truly lives in the daily lives of our people,” he said.
Victor Fun emphasized that the data and input gathered during the FGD will serve as an evaluation basis for the regional government in formulating policies that are more participatory, transparent, and responsive to community needs.
He stressed that democracy in Central Papua must be substantive—present not only during elections or regional head elections, but also embedded in everyday social interactions. Such democracy guarantees freedom of expression, upholds equality without discrimination, and is strengthened by capable and credible institutions.
During the forum, he also called on all stakeholders—including the executive and legislative branches, political parties, academics, the media, civil society organizations, and security forces—to work together in nurturing democracy in Papua. Cross-sector collaboration, he noted, is key to creating a healthy and dignified democratic space.
Through open and participatory discussions, it is hoped that the democracy index calculation will accurately reflect the real conditions in Central Papua. Ultimately, improving the quality of democracy is expected to have a direct positive impact on public welfare and the sustainable development of the region.
