The speedboat construction work was conducted as a result of a collaboration between Cenderawasih University and the Surabaya November Ten Institute (ITS). It was Rismaharini’s initiative to address access difficulties faced by Papuans, given the varied geographical features comprising mountains, rivers, and seas.
"So far, it takes two days to travel from Mamberamo to Sentani due to the winding (stream) of the river. With this boat, it is hoped that (the journey) will become faster," the minister noted in a statement received here on Saturday.
Rismaharini was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy, Rector of Cenderawasih University Dr Ir. Apolo Safanpo, and the shipbuilding team. The Director General of Social Empowerment and the Minister's Special Staff was also present along with the minister.
Rismaharini and Muhadjir observed the almost completed boat in the backyard of the campus. Six ships were produced in the initial stages.
"One ship is for picking up the school kids. Thereafter, five units will be managed by the Indonesian Christian Foundation in Papua," the minister elaborated. The boats were built to increase accessibility and boost the economic conditions of the local community. Shipbuilding is also conducted on the basis of request of the public and local leaders.
Papuan leaders, represented by the Chairman of the Papuan Religious Harmony Forum, Father Lipiyus Biniluk, told the social affairs minister that access to water transportation, particularly through rivers, should be improved since it is considered to be the most effective mode in supporting daily activities and the community's economy.
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The minister promptly responded to the request and held a meeting with the Surabaya November Ten Institute leadership. The shipbuilding process involves Cenderawasih University and Papuan youth.
"The goal is for technology transfer to occur, and the Papuan people can master the technology," she remarked.
With the shipbuilding process in its final stages, Rismaharini stated in a light-hearted manner that it was a birthday gift for the Surabaya November Ten Institute and Cenderawasih University, both of which were founded on November 10.
The synergy model for the creation of speedboats will also be implemented in other regions. The next opportunity will be given to other regions in Papua.
Assistance from the Social Affairs Ministry is a continuous project. The minister has vowed to continue to oversee the program until the beneficiaries grew independent.
"The Social Affairs Ministry will not abandon them. We will continue to monitor them. Later, if their fish catch is good, it must be handled through good management. They must then form a cooperative that will also manage basic necessities," she remarked.
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Rismaharini ensured that the government, through the Social Affairs Ministry, would assist regions in Papua in accordance with their needs and conditions. For instance, Puncak Jaya will not receive a ship, but instead, assistance will be offered in the form of motorbike with battery power, GESITS.
Chairman of the Papuan Religious Harmony Forum, Father Lipiyus Biniluk, lauded the social affairs minister for her administration's assistance.
"Remote areas in Papua can only be accessed via air or river. Hence, this ship assistance is the right answer," Biniluk affirmed.
Rector of Cenderawasih University Apolo Safanpo also expressed his gratitude to her for being part of the local community's empowerment program. Cenderawasih University ensures its commitment to improving the quality of Papua's human resources.
The social empowerment assistance was symbolically handed over to five institutions, totalling up to Rp29,067,751,030 (USD 2,048,294.09).
The five institutions are the Mega Education Foundation, the Papua Alom Cooperative, the Papua Indonesian Christian Church Class Asmat Worker Board, Cenderawasih University, the Mamberamo Raya Bersinar Cooperative, Jayapura City, Jayapura District, and Keerom District, Papua Province.
Some 539 people received assistance valued at Rp1,006,825,500 (US$70,947.17) under the social rehabilitation program. The aid was in the form of ATENSI assistance, entrepreneurship assistance, accessibility assistance, and basic needs assistance.
The aid was contributed by Balai Wirajaya Makassar, Balai Gau Mabaji Gowa, Balai Toddopuli Makassar, Minaula Kendari Workshop and KP Drugs Workshop Pangurangi Takalar. Thus, the total assistance from the Social Affairs Ministry reached Rp30,074,576,530 (US$2,119,241,26). (
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Translator: Devi N S R, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
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