JAYAPURA – The Papua Provincial Government is encouraging a shift in public mindset to reduce long-term dependence on affirmative action policies. Human resource development is seen as the key to boosting competitiveness and breaking the cycle of dependency.

Acting Governor of Papua, Ramses Limbong, conveyed this message after opening the Internalization of the 2025–2029 Population Development Roadmap and Action Plan in Regional Planning Documents for Region VII in Jayapura on Friday (June 13, 2025).

“We must build our competitiveness. But competitiveness is developed, not demanded. If we continue to rely on affirmative action, we will never move forward. We must move beyond that,” Ramses stated.

He explained that the direction of Papua’s development cannot be separated from the quality of its population. Therefore, foundational issues such as stunting must be addressed early.

“Stunting in children aged 0–5 years can have long-term impacts for up to 30 years. If we don’t address it now, they won’t grow into a productive generation,” he said.

According to Ramses, local governments cannot work alone. Population issues must be a shared responsibility across sectors.

“This is not just the concern of BKKBN or a specific ministry, but of all stakeholders. Only then can we determine where Papua is headed,” he concluded. ***