TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Regional Autonomy Watch (KPPOD) executive director Robert Endi Jaweng opined President Joko Widodo or Jokowi’s plan to open up a state palace in Jayapura, Papua, is essential to present a country symbol in the easternmost province.

“A state palace is vital because a country can be presented symbolically, and must also be existed through programs, policy, program substances,” said Robert in Cikini, Central Jakarta, September 11.

He said a country symbol could be displayed through various methods. The government should also remember to do its utmost to serve Papuan community.

According to Robert, the construction of state palace in the province will be meaningless if it is not in line with other supports, such as development programs.

“A country symbol which is represented through a palace must bring implications of mind and policy paradigm changes, so we will not merely build facilities and supporting facilities because Papua needs more than development. But the most vital issue is the humanity by humanizing them,” he remarked.

Robert expressed his support for the plan, given the fact that the President often had official visits. He added that the palace can be used as a Presidential office.

As reported earlier, President Jokowi announced his plan to build a presidential palace next year as requested by Papuan figures on Tuesday, September 10.

EKO WAHYUDI