Acting governor of Highland Papua, Velix V. Wanggai, made the request during a meeting with Commission II of the House of Representatives (DPR). The meeting was held to evaluate the implementation of policies and programs in the new autonomous regions (DOB).
In a press release issued by the provincial government here on Friday, Wanggai said that the accelerated completion of the Elelim-Benawa segment will support connectivity between regions and the development of new economic centers.
Moreover, it will enhance access to southern Yahukimo, the southern gateway to Highland Papua.
“This is one of the measures that must be taken to encourage economic growth while also preventing rising inflation in Highland Papua,” he said.
According to Wanggai, there are nine strategic steps that the central government must support to accelerate socioeconomic transformation in the province.
First, extending the Wamena Airport runway. Second, supporting access to markets for vegetables and coffee commodities. Third, constructing a provincial-level hospital.
Fourth, establishing an integrated high school based on a boarding school model. Fifth, building a new sports stadium in Wamena. Sixth, building decent housing for indigenous Papuans from economically disadvantaged groups.
The seventh step is constructing a border crossing post (PLBN) in Pegunungan Bintang district, which borders Papua New Guinea.
The eighth step is establishing a State Christian Institute (STAKIN), bringing central attention to serve development needs in remote areas, and ninth, enhancing Internet connectivity in the region.
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Translator: Yudhi, Kenzu
Editor: Arie Novarina
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