TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo has arrived in Merauke, Papua, today, as he plans to spend New Year’s Eve in the far East. In Papua, President Jokowi is set to visit Wamena, Sorong, and celebrate the New Year’s Eve in Raja Ampat.
"In Wamena, the president will inaugurate Wamena Airport and Kaimana Airport," said Bey Machmudin from the presidential office Tuesday, December 29.
President Jokowi is set to return to Jakarta on January 1, 2016.
Bey said that it is the third time that the President visits Papua and West Papua. “[Jokowi] will often visit Papua, in a bid to resolve the prolonged conflict,” he said. Jokowi’s visit is also meant as a change from the Java-centric approach to nationwide approach.
FAIZ NASHRILLAH