JAYAPURA – Papua Deputy Governor Aryoko Rumaropen officially opened the Thematic Pre-Development Planning Meeting on Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) as part of the preparation for the Papua Province Regional Medium-Term Development Plan 2025–2029 on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in Jayapura.

The event, organized by the Papua Provincial Agency for Regional Development, Research, and Innovation, was held in collaboration with the Australia–Indonesia Partnership for SKALA (AIP SKALA) and development partners such as the Jaringan Kerja Rakyat Papua (JERAT Papua) and the Papua Democratic Institute (PDI).

Delivering the Governor’s remarks, Aryoko Rumaropen emphasized the importance of inclusive, participatory, and equitable development, ensuring that regional policies genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of all community groups, especially Indigenous Papuans.

“We want to ensure that every regional planning and policy process prioritizes and provides space for women, children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and indigenous communities. A bright Papua means a smart, healthy, and harmonious Papua for everyone,” Aryoko said firmly.

The forum served as a platform for collaboration between the government, local institutions, and representatives of community groups from various backgrounds. Through discussions and shared input, the government is expected to formulate more inclusive and socially responsive policies for Papua.

At the same event, Septer, Senior Program Manager of SKALA, explained that SKALA represents bilateral cooperation between the Governments of Indonesia and Australia, supporting the implementation of inclusive development planning in Papua.

“Currently, SKALA is assisting in the formulation of the Papua Province Regional Medium-Term Development Plan, including promoting the implementation of the Inclusive Thematic Pre-Meeting as part of the participatory planning process. We are committed to supporting the government in realizing the objectives of Special Autonomy to improve the welfare of Indigenous Papuans,” he stated.

In closing, Aryoko said:

“Let us engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, and provide constructive, collaborative, and innovative input to build integrated, synergized, and well-coordinated development strategies through both top-down and bottom-up planning, to achieve a Regional Medium-Term Development Plan that is well-targeted and impactful for the people’s welfare.”

The Pre-Meeting also involved participation from persons with disabilities, traditional leaders, women leaders, child advocates, and representatives of the elderly, aiming to strengthen the collective commitment toward a Bright Papua, Smart Papua, Healthy Papua, and Harmonious Papua — in support of Golden Indonesia 2045. ***