JAYAPURA — The Papua Provincial Government has begun formulating its development direction for the next five years through the Provincial Development Planning Deliberation Forum for the 2025–2029 Regional Medium-Term Development Plan. The forum was officially opened by Papua Governor Matius D. Fakhiri in Jayapura.

In his remarks, the Governor stressed that the Development Planning Forum is a strategic forum to align the region's development vision with national policies as well as programs of district and city governments.

"This is not merely a formal stage in regional planning, but a space to consolidate our shared vision and commitment so that Papua's development moves in a clear, measurable direction and remains focused on the people," Fakhiri said.

The Governor explained that Papua's development direction for the next five years is formulated under the vision of "Transforming Papua into an Intelligent, Prosperous, and Harmonious Region", or Bright Papua (Papua Cerah). This vision marks the regional government's commitment to entering a new phase of transformation in governance, economic development, and social life.

According to him, Papua has great potential in terms of natural resources, cultural diversity, and the social strength of its people. These assets are the main foundation for encouraging inclusive, competitive, and sustainable development.

The Papua Provincial Government also emphasized five development missions as the basis of regional policy. These include strengthening responsive governance, improving the quality of superior and inclusive human resources, reinforcing harmonious security and peace, strengthening an economy based on local potential, and accelerating infrastructure development and support for underdeveloped areas.

In addition to these policy directions, the Governor also outlined some flagship programs that will be implemented during his administration, together with the Deputy Governor of Papua. These programs are expected to have a direct impact on improving public welfare.

One priority program is the KASIH Card (Healthy Family for Pregnant Mothers), which guarantees access to health services and nutritional support for pregnant women in order to reduce the risks of stunting and maternal and infant mortality.

Another program is the MACE Card (Smart Student), aimed at helping high-achieving students from low-income families complete their higher education.

The government is also preparing the JALAN Card (Social Security for the Elderly), which will provide economic assistance and health services for senior citizens.

In addition, the provincial government will encourage the modernization of trade facilities through the development of better-organized people's markets to support the economic activities of small communities.

Improving regional connectivity is also a priority through the construction of roads, bridges, ports, airports, and digital infrastructure to facilitate the movement of people, goods, and services across Papua.

In the housing sector, the regional government is targeting the provision of decent housing for low-income communities, while also reorganizing slum settlements in urban and coastal areas.

The Governor stressed that all development programs must be prepared based on accurate data, aligned with national policy, and integrated with district and city governments.

"Every program must be measurable and have a real impact on the community. There must be no programs that are out of sync or that fail to provide direct benefits to the people," Fakhiri said.

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between modern development and Papua's customary values and local wisdom. According to him, development must strengthen the identity and social cohesion of the people.

Through this forum, the Governor invited all stakeholders — from regional governments, customary leaders, academics, and the business sector to the wider community — to jointly refine the document of the Regional Medium-Term Development Plan.

"Differences of opinion are part of the dynamics of development. But our goal remains one: to realize the welfare of the Papuan people," he said.

With that spirit of collaboration, the Governor of Papua officially opened the Provincial Development Planning Deliberation Forum for the 2025–2029 Regional Medium-Term Development Plan as the first step in preparing the region's development direction for the next five years. ***