"If all agencies are moving on their own programs, it would not be beneficial. We are now optimistic of everything being integrated, although they are utilizing their own budgets," Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD stated at a conference on Papua's Development held in Jakarta, Tuesday.
He noted that the Ministry of National Development Planning and the National Planning Agency (Bappenas) had in place a division specifically dedicated to Papua, with the similar applying to the Coordinating Ministry of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs.
He is upbeat about both divisions working under an ”umbrella” to heighten coordination to expedite the development program in Papua and West Papua.
He affirmed that in the next five years, the government had prepared development agendas for both Papua and West Papua that did not solely center around physical infrastructure, but one that also strives to realize public welfare.
Such agendas encompass the development of human resources in line with the local potentials and wisdom in the scope of global challenges, infrastructure development, and regulatory and bureaucratic reforms.
He also highlighted economic transformation that taps into the available natural resources, with support of Papua's quality human resources, and integrated development.
"Papua's development is not merely infrastructure but also in terms of the quality of human resources and improving the quality of native Papuan human resources through education," Mahfud stated.
In a bid to accelerate development and ensure welfare for the Papuans and West Papuans, Mahfud has appealed to Bappenas to focus on holistic transformation and formulate new models to ensure implementation of all programs for development of both areas. Related news: Bappenas composes policy centering on swifter development in Papua
Related news: Papua provincial govt increases investment through infrastructure
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Dewa Ketut Sudiarta Wiguna/Ari
Editor: Suharto
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