TIMIKA, Indonesia — Regional leaders from across Papua gathered in Timika, Central Papua, for the Strategic Coordination Forum on Papua Development Acceleration held on May 11–12, 2026, to discuss efforts to strengthen the implementation of Papua’s Special Autonomy policy and accelerate regional development.
The forum, themed “Strengthening the Implementation of Papua Special Autonomy Policies to Achieve a More Prosperous Papua,” brought together governors, regents, and mayors from across the Papua region to formulate coordinated development strategies.
Papua Governor Matius D. Fakhiri emphasized the importance of intergovernmental collaboration to ensure development policies in Papua are implemented effectively and reach communities evenly.
“Papua needs collective work. We cannot move separately. Special Autonomy must truly be felt by the people, especially in education, healthcare, people’s economy, and human resource development,” Fakhiri said in Timika on Monday.
According to him, the implementation of Special Autonomy should focus on improving the welfare of Indigenous Papuans through programs that address basic community needs, including in remote areas.
The coordination forum also served as an evaluation platform for ongoing development programs while preparing strategic measures to address future challenges in Papua’s development.
Several key issues were discussed during the meeting, including strengthening healthcare services, expanding equal access to education, developing connectivity infrastructure, and promoting local potential-based economic growth in each region.
Regional leaders attending the forum also agreed to strengthen cross-regional cooperation to maintain security stability and accelerate equitable development throughout the Papua region.
The Timika forum is expected to produce strategic recommendations aimed at improving the implementation of Papua’s Special Autonomy policy in an effective, sustainable, and impactful manner to enhance the quality of life of Papuan communities.
