Bappenas Notes Jokowi's Plan to Establish State Palace in Papua

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo expressed interest to establish a state palace in Jayapura, Papua by the year 2020 in his meeting with Papuan representatives in the Jakarta state palace on Tuesday.

Responding to the president’s request, Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Deputy of Regional Development Rudy Prawiradinata said that the agency will study the plans before announcing any official decision.

“It is not specific but there are plans for long-term development,” said Rudy at the Hotel Borobudur on Tuesday, September 10.

The president initially mentioned the plan as an answer to the requests of Papuan and West Papuan figures led by Abisai Rolio in the meeting. Upon realizing the plans, Abisai stated that he will donate his personal 10-hectare land.

“I will donate 10-hectares for the construction of the Presidential Palace to that the president’s presence in Papua will not merely be official visitations but as one of his official offices,” said Abisai Rolio.

Responding to Abisai’s willingness to contribute his personal land, President Jokowi asked about the man’s seriousness during the meeting. “Is it true? 10 hectares of free land? Is it readily available? So is it already handed over de facto?” asked the president.

EKO WAHYUDI l AHAMAD FAIZ | RR ARIYANI