Vice President Gibran Reaffirms Papua Development Acceleration

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating development in Papua, with modern healthcare and quality education placed at the forefront of President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship social programs.

Speaking at the “New Direction of National Development” talk show on Monday, January 26, 2026, VP Gibran stressed that Papua must be a primary beneficiary of these initiatives. 

He underscored that the government is moving beyond basic aid to deliver high-tech solutions, citing the deployment of advanced medical equipment and the urgent need to overhaul school infrastructure to ensure parity with other regions.

“The hospital is modern, equipped with the latest equipment like CT scans and MRIs, and we’ve also brought in doctors. We will no longer see schools damaged or with dirt floors,” Gibran said at the Satya Wacana Christian University (UKSW) auditorium in Salatiga, Central Java.

The administration’s priority programs in Papua focus on human development and infrastructure modernization. Among them is the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, designed to secure students’ nutrition and support their academic performance. 

The Free Health Check (CKG) program provides regular screenings using newly deployed diagnostic tools, while the People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat) initiative aims to eliminate dilapidated classrooms and create dignified learning environments.

Infrastructure development remains a critical pillar of the government’s agenda. VP Gibran confirmed that President Prabowo has ordered the expedited completion of the Trans-Papua Highway to reduce logistics costs and improve access to remote areas. 

He also emphasized the need to optimize Special Autonomy (Otsus) Funds to ensure financial resources translate into tangible, high-impact progress.

Responding to aspirations voiced by Darto Melius Sergio Daby, a student from Wamena, VP Gibran urged Papuan youth studying outside the region to return home after graduation and contribute to local development. “I ask my friends here, after graduating from UKSW, to return to Papua,” he said, stressing that local human resource involvement is essential for sustaining national projects.

Following his engagement in Central Java, the Vice President is scheduled to attend the Tingalan Jumenengan (Ascension Anniversary) of K.G.P.A.A. Mangkoenagoro X at Pura Mangkunegaran in Surakarta on Tuesday, marking the ruler’s fourth year of leadership. ​(Naura Sofia/Lasti Martina)