Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin emphasized that measures to maintain security and conduciveness in Papua region must remain the priority of all relevant parties.

"We must admit that violent incidents befalling civilians are still evident (in Papua)," he said while outlining directives related to the development and special autonomy of Papua at his palace in Jakarta on Friday.

Amin also extended his appreciation to security officers and law enforcers for taking immediate action to deal with each incident of violence.

He then expressed the hope that Papua will become even safer, while calling upon all people, including Papua residents, to live in harmony and collaborate to bring progress to Indonesia's easternmost region.

He further said that as chair of the Papua Special Autonomy Development Acceleration Steering Committee (BP3OKP), he has presided over a series of coordination meetings and made several visits to Papua since 2021.

"I have witnessed plenty of positive changes, including those related to the development of infrastructures and facilities as well as improvements in public services in four new autonomous regions," he added.

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He then stressed the importance of ensuring that central and regional governments remain duly committed to implementing policies that are oriented toward accelerating development in Papua.

"It is vital that we develop Papua in the spirit of togetherness, considering that Papua stands as an integral part of Indonesia's diversity and unity," he said.

Amin then drew attention to the upcoming simultaneous regional head elections in November, saying that Papua requires strong, professional, and reliable leaders to achieve progress.

"My message to whoever will be elected (as regional leaders) is to prioritize regional advancement and the welfare of people," he said.

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Translator: Benardy F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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