Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Home Affairs Minister Ribka Haluk has pledged to improve healthcare infrastructure in Papua, following a three-day visit to the region by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka earlier this week.

Ribka said the Vice President issued a series of directives to enhance services in several sectors after inspecting facilities across Papua from September 16 to 18.

“Many healthcare facilities and hospitals need renovations, better governance, and improved management. We met with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), and there are many issues that must be addressed,” she said in a statement on Thursday.

Ribka made the remarks after joining the Vice President in a closed-door meeting at Gedung Negara in Jayapura with the Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Papua’s Acting Governor, local mayors, regents, and Forkopimda officials.

She added that the Ministry of Home Affairs will soon convene a technical meeting involving other ministries to follow up on the outcomes of the Vice President’s visit.

“There’s a lot to improve, and everything has been recorded. Once we return to Jakarta, we’ll move forward with a technical meeting,” she said.

Related news: Papua govt sends five specialist doctors to Biak Public Hospital

Before visiting Papua, the Vice President traveled to South Papua, where Ribka noted that many schools and healthcare facilities urgently require upgrades.

She said health services in both provinces need improvements in infrastructure as well as administrative and service delivery systems.

During his tour, Gibran reviewed progress on the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, assessed education and healthcare services, and discussed the Regional Transfer Funds (TKD) mechanism.

Ribka confirmed that the Vice President’s instructions—especially those concerning health and education—will be acted upon promptly.

TKD-related matters will involve discussions with the Ministry of Finance and other relevant agencies, she added, emphasizing the need for strong inter-ministerial coordination.

“We will continue coordination at the national level,” Ribka said.

Related news: Papua govt calls for prioritizing locals in healthcare recruitment





Translator: Fianda, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025