The two-day forum, titled the Strategic Coordination Forum for the Acceleration of Papua Development, brought together governors, mayors and district heads from across Papua, organizers said.
Central Papua Governor Meki Frits Nawipa, who chairs the Association of Regional Heads in Papua, said the special autonomy program had provided major financial support for the region's development.
"We must be grateful because the government has provided special autonomy funds for six provinces so we can accelerate development in our respective regions," Nawipa said in his opening remarks.
The meeting was attended by Papua Governor Mathius Fakhiri, West Papua Governor Dominggus Mandacan, Southwest Papua Governor Elisa Kambu, Highland Papua Governor John Tabo, South Papua Governor Apolo Safanpo and Nawipa as host.
Nawipa said Papua's special autonomy framework had been in place for 26 years since its introduction in 2000.
He said the forum should serve as a platform for regional leaders to align policies and strengthen cooperation to improve development outcomes and public welfare across Papua.
"We must honestly acknowledge that implementation on the ground still faces many challenges," Nawipa said, citing shortcomings in education, healthcare, and infrastructure services.
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He said special autonomy funds should directly support schools, healthcare access and infrastructure projects aimed at reducing isolation and boosting Papua's local economy.
The former Paniai district head also praised President Prabowo Subianto's support for increasing Papua's special autonomy allocation in 2026.
Nawipa urged local governments to ensure every rupiah transferred by the central government produced measurable benefits for Papuan communities.
"Papua should not remain rich in natural resources while its people are left behind. That has happened for too long," he said.
Acting Central Papua Provincial Secretary Silwanus Sumule said ministries, regional legislatures, the Papuan People's Assembly and other policymakers also joined the discussions.
Sumule said Papua's special autonomy allocation for 2026 would reach Rp12.69 trillion (US$728.7 million), distributed across the region's six provinces.
The forum's first day focused on evaluating autonomy policies under the 2021 revised Papua autonomy law and reviewing long-term development strategies.
The second day will discuss technical coordination, including budgeting consistency, monitoring systems and accountable management of special autonomy funds across Papua's 42 districts and municipalities.
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Translator: M.Nara, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Anton Santoso
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