Jayapura – Papuan activist Charles Kossay said the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day should serve as momentum to strengthen the commitment to developing Papua as an integral part of Indonesia’s progress. He said progress in Papua would not only improve the welfare of people in the region but also have strategic significance in strengthening Indonesia from the eastern part of the country.
Kossay said development in Papua should focus not only on infrastructure but also on improving public welfare, strengthening human resources, creating employment opportunities, and expanding opportunities for Indigenous Papuans (OAP) to participate directly in the development process.
“An advanced Papua means a stronger Indonesia from the east. This is not merely a slogan, but should become a shared commitment that Indonesia’s progress must not leave Papua behind,” Kossay said in reflecting on the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day.
He acknowledged that development in Papua has progressed in recent years through improvements in infrastructure, connectivity, education, healthcare, and various government strategic programs. However, he stressed that such progress must continue to ensure tangible benefits for communities.
Kossay emphasized that strengthening Papua’s human resources should remain one of the priorities of development. Affirmative education programs, he said, need to be strengthened so that young Papuans have greater access to quality education and opportunities to develop skills that enable them to compete nationally and globally.
In addition to education, he expressed hope that investment and development projects in Papua would create more employment opportunities and provide greater space for Indigenous Papuans to contribute as professionals, entrepreneurs, experts, civil servants, academics, and leaders. “If Papua advances, Indonesia will become even stronger from the east,” he said.
