Born on January 10, 1971, in the Pyramid Sub-district, Jayawijaya District, Papua Pegunungan Province, Ribka completed her undergraduate and doctoral studies at Cenderawasih University in Papua.
With over two decades in Papua's local government, Ribka’s career culminated in her appointment as acting governor of Central Papua on November 11, 2022—a position she held until October 18, 2023. On October 21, President Prabowo Subianto appointed her as Deputy Minister of Home Affairs.
Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian tasked Ribka with addressing key issues in Papua.
A Papuan bureaucrat
Ribka is widely recognized as a seasoned bureaucrat, holding numerous positions in the Papuan regional government.
She began as head of the Family Welfare Improvement Office in Jayawijaya District in 2001 and, in 2004, served as head of the Women’s Empowerment Office in the same district.
In 2009, she became head of the Jayawijaya Administration Sub-division and was later promoted to secretary of the Women’s Empowerment and Family Planning Office.
In 2011, Ribka became head of the Women’s Empowerment Office. By 2014, she was leading the Papua Provincial Social and Settlement Office and later served as head of the Papua Social, Population, and Civil Registry Office until 2022.
Ribka also held roles as acting district head of Mappi in 2017 and Yalimo in 2021. Before becoming acting governor, she served as an expert staff member for state apparatus and public service to the Minister of Home Affairs.
Central Papua
While acting governor, Ribka also took on the role of Central Papua regional secretary, contributing to the establishment of Central Papua as an autonomous region.
Central Papua was designated one of three new autonomous regions (DOBs) by Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian on November 11, 2022, based on Law Number 15 of 2022.
As acting governor, Ribka was responsible for building a government system in Central Papua, which included forming and managing the regional civil apparatus, preparing the Gubernatorial Regulation on the Regional Budget (APBD), overseeing asset transfers, establishing the Central Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP), and developing government infrastructure.
Ribka also played a role in preparing for the 2024 General Election (Pemilu), the 2024 Regional Head Elections (Pilkada), and implementing the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW). She credits her successful leadership during this period to the dedication of all parties involved in establishing the Central Papua administration.
Ribka attributes her achievements to two key factors: unwavering commitment to serving the community and the implementation of directives from then-President Joko Widodo.
To commemorate Central Papua’s first anniversary, a cultural festival was held on December 11, 2023, to preserve and promote local culture.
Beyond governmental initiatives and cultural promotion, Ribka’s administration prioritized health services for Central Papuans. This included enhancing services at regional hospitals (RSUD) and strengthening the Paniai RSUD to reduce dependence on Nabire Hospital. Her administration also focused on providing essential medicines and clean water installations in the region.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs
Ribka’s appointment as Deputy Minister of Home Affairs came at the recommendation of Minister Karnavian after President Prabowo specifically requested a female leader from Papua. Accepting the role required Ribka to leave Nabire.
Papua currently has six provinces: Papua, West Papua, South Papua, Central Papua, Papua Pegunungan, and Southwest Papua.
In her new role, Ribka has been directed to return to Papua at least once a month. Her extensive experience in regional administration prepares her well for her responsibilities as Deputy Minister of Home Affairs.
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Translator: Rio F, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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