Jusuf Kalla Critiques Govt's Infrastructure Approach in Papua
Translator
Ricky Mohammad Nugraha
Editor
Laila Afifa
Rabu, 2 Oktober 2019 06:25 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Vice President Jusuf Kalla argues that the government’s approach toward Papua that primarily focuses on economy and infrastructure development is not the perfect solution to solve the problems that arise in the region.
“An in-depth cultural approach would be better for Papua that is strong with its traditions,” said the vice president at his office in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, October 1.
The numerous infrastructures in Indonesia’s far-east region such as airports and toll-roads cannot be deemed by the government as its contribution to Papua. He suggested the government conduct more dialogues and large-scale revamp with locals.
“What is truly important is the role of formal leaders such as governors, regents, district heads, who have actual contributions to elevate its society,” said Kalla. He also called for Papua’s autonomy rule to be maximized.
The condition in Papua has escalated in the past several weeks which sparked multiple and prolonged uprisings in many areas which unfortunately caused the death toll to increase to 33.
