Papua and West Papua have a number of talented people in the fields of science, arts and culture, and sports. This is a big task for us all to facilitate their talents
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) visited the groundbreaking of the Papua Youth Creative Hub on Saturday that is expected to become a center for the development of Papua's talents.

"We are optimistic that this creative hub would become a center for developing great talents in Papua and also serve as a center for nurturing the creativity of Papuan children," President Jokowi stated in Jayapura.

During his visit to the groundbreaking, Jokowi was accompanied by House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani, Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of Investment Bahlil Lahadalia, Head of the State Intelligence Agency Budi Gunawan, National Defense Forces (TNI) Commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, National Police Chief General Listyo Prabowo, and other state officials.


Related news: BNPT Head Boy Rafli Amar inspects PON venue in Papua

According to Jokowi, the idea to establish the program came after his meeting with several youngsters from Papua in September 2019.

The Papuan youths comprised Richard Mahose from Merauke, who graduated from Cornell University; Joshua Gombo, who studied robotics in Washington D.C.; and Pascal Safari, who studied computer science in California, as well as other Papuan youths.

The Papuan youths are expecting to have a platform to discuss their aspirations and inspirations, Jokowi noted.

The President believes that Papuan youths have several undiscovered talents to be explored. He is upbeat about the Papua Youth Creative Hub gathering ideas and sourcing talents from the vast pool of Papuan youths.


Related news: Keep venues open for sports, tourism post PON, Papua told

"Papua and West Papua have a number of talented people in the fields of science, arts and culture, and sports. This is a big task for us all to facilitate their talents," Jokowi affirmed.

There are thousands of talented Papuan youths that are expected to become the agents of change for Papua, he said.

"In here, we are focusing on entrepreneurship, millennial farmers, digital ecosystem, and research and innovation as well. I think this is the future for all of us," Jokowi emphasized.


Related news: After arriving at Sentani airport, President stops to buy noken

He noted that the Papuan Youth Creative Hub is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

"The future of Indonesia, the future of Papua is in the Papua Youth Creative Hub, and we are optimistic that in a short period of time, we would actually be able to develop human resources in Papua," he remarked.

Later on, the Papua Youth Creative Hub will be equipped with co-working spaces, digital technology rooms, concert halls, product innovation rooms, sports facilities, and dormitories.

"We really hope this integrated place would become the foundation for the future of Papua and the future of Indonesia," he stated.

Related news: President Jokowi inaugurates Istora Papua Bangkit during work visit

Related news: Some 100 medical workers deployed for PON XX opening ceremony

Translator: Desca L N, Resinta S
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021