4 Dec 2015

Indonesia president wants co-operation in Papua development

2:22 pm on 4 December 2015

Indonesia's president, Joko Widodo, has criticised government agencies for not co-operating in implementing development in the Papua region.

Jayapura port, Papua province, Indonesia.

Jayapura port, Papua province, Indonesia. Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins

The Jakarta Post reports the president saying development has to consider the aspirations of Papuans.

He told a cabinet meeting on Papuan development that in recent years, the ministries' work has centred on their respective sectors, rather than working together.

The president stressed that the government must give serious attention to the development of Papua by building infrastructure, including roads, bridges and markets, and improving healthcare services and education.

Mr Widodo also instructed the Indonesian military and the police to ensure the benefits of their presence is felt by Papuans.

He says Jakarta needs to speed up infrastructure development in the border areas, such as roads and bridges, to eliminate isolation in Papua.

The president says this will help ease the movement of people and goods and ensure lower prices for commodities.