papuachronicle.co – Jakarta. Vice Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk emphasized the importance of boosting investment to develop Southwest Papua. She encouraged the regional government to be more independent, such as utilizing local potential rather than just relying on the central government.
“As of now, we should not expect [funds] transfers from the central government, and instead explore all regional potential by inviting all stakeholders, investors, competent ministries/institutions to provide assistance,” she said while attending the 2024 Southwest Papua Investment event at Smesco Indonesia, Jakarta, Wednesday (12/11/2024).
Ribka invited all stakeholders to create a conducive and stable investment climate in Papua. The synergy between the regional government, investors, and related parties is expected to attract more investment to support economic growth.
“If the security conditions of the region are well guaranteed, anyone would be interested to invest,” she added.
Ribka also highlighted the natural wealth of Papua that can be utilized by the Regional Government. Not only in the mining or oil and gas (oil and gas) sectors, he also emphasized the importance of downstreaming in the plantation sector such as areca nut and sago. According to her, this potential is not only for local consumption, but can also be an economic commodity that increases regional income.
In addition, Ribka emphasized that this program is in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s direction regarding food security and processing of plantation products. She hopes that this effort can support national food security while increasing the economic value of local Papuan products.
She also appreciated the Southwest Papua Provincial Government for its efforts to promote regional potential, even though the province is still relatively new. She encouraged other regions in the Papua region to follow the proactive steps of the Southwest Papua Provincial Government in managing potential and attracting investment.
“I think this should be an example for other Papuans,” she said.
With this step, Ribka hopes that the Original Regional Income (PAD) of Southwest Papua will continue to increase. She also reminded that this is not only the responsibility of the Regional Government, but also requires active participation from the community, especially the next generation, to manage local potential effectively.