Jakarta, Indonesia – Efforts by the Puncak Regency Government to accelerate development and improve public welfare have gained positive momentum after a series of strategic meetings with central government ministries in Jakarta. The initiative resulted in tangible support for the regency, including an allocation of 500 housing units under a home renovation program aimed at providing decent housing for local residents.
The delegation, led by Puncak Regent Elvis Tabuni, accompanied by Speaker of the Puncak Regional House of Representatives (DPRK) Thomas Tabuni and several regional agency heads, held discussions with Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions H. Yandri Susanto, as well as Buhari Sirait, Director of Settlement Area Systems and Strategy at the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas.
The meetings focused on securing greater central government support for key development priorities in Puncak Regency, including infrastructure development, poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, and telecommunications services.
Regent Elvis Tabuni said that Puncak remains one of Indonesia’s underdeveloped regions and continues to face significant development challenges. He emphasized that stronger collaboration with the central government is essential to accelerate progress and improve the quality of life of local communities.
“Puncak Regency is a relatively new region that remains significantly underdeveloped. Therefore, we met with the central government to seek support in accelerating strategic programs, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, as well as communication and telecommunications development,” Elvis said.
One of the immediate outcomes of the meetings was the approval of a quota for 500 housing units under a home rehabilitation program that will transform inadequate housing into safe and decent homes for residents.
“We have submitted the required documents to the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas, and we are grateful that Puncak has been allocated 500 housing units under the home renovation program, which is expected to be implemented this year,” he added.
Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions H. Yandri Susanto reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to supporting Puncak Regency, noting that the region is currently listed among Indonesia’s 30 most disadvantaged districts.
“We are ready to collaborate with the Puncak Regency Government. Step by step, we will work together to advance this region. Since Puncak is among the 30 most disadvantaged regions in Indonesia, it will become one of our priorities this year,” Yandri stated during the meeting.
Similarly, Buhari Sirait confirmed that Puncak Regency has been included in the government’s development priorities for 2026. Regarding the housing program, he encouraged the local government to promptly complete all administrative requirements to ensure timely implementation.
“We hope that all documents required for the housing rehabilitation program can be submitted as soon as possible, allowing the allocation of 500 housing units to be executed this year,” Buhari said.
The proactive approach taken by the Puncak Regency Government also received strong support from the local legislature. DPRK Speaker Thomas Tabuni praised Regent Elvis Tabuni’s determination to seek alternative development opportunities despite ongoing budget constraints.
According to Thomas, relying solely on local government revenues would make it difficult to accelerate development. He stressed that strong cooperation between local and central governments is essential, particularly given Puncak’s challenging geographical conditions and dependence on air transportation.
“Puncak Regency remains categorized as an underdeveloped region. We urgently need accelerated access to basic infrastructure such as electricity, telecommunications, education, healthcare, clean water, and economic recovery programs,” Thomas said.
He further emphasized that the Puncak Regional House of Representatives fully supports efforts to secure greater government attention and affirmative development policies for the region.
“We strongly support the Regent’s initiative so that the central government continues to provide meaningful attention and concrete support for the advancement of Puncak Regency,” he concluded.
In addition to engagements with the Ministry of Villages and the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas, the Puncak Regency Government is scheduled to continue discussions with the Ministry of Transportation to strengthen transportation connectivity, one of the most critical needs for communities across Papua’s mountainous regions.
The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to improve access to essential services, reduce development disparities, and create better opportunities for communities living in one of Indonesia’s most geographically challenging regions.
