Government open to holding dialog with anyone

The Indonesia government is open to holding a dialog with anyone in the context of development, including in Papua, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated here on Wednesday. 

"From the onset, I have no problem in holding a dialog with anyone in the context of development," the head of state remarked after dedicating and inspecting the district government offices in Jayawijaya.

He said dialog had also been initiated to settle the problems in Aceh.

While referring to groups conducting violence, the president said he had ordered security agencies to take firm action.

In the context of dividing the Papua province, the president said he had received inputs from various parties on the matter. 

"I have to discuss with various parties first, including with the governor here (about it)," he noted.

On the issue of limited supply of electricity and internet services, the president remarked that similar complaints had also been received from other regions.

"This is our task. We must build a power plant, and it takes three to four years to realize it," he affirmed.

The head of state remarked that by undertaking frequent visits to Papua, he would be able to gain a better understanding of the problems being faced by the people in the region, such as limited infrastructure that had caused the prices of commodities, such as cement, rice, and fuel oils to increase.

"With adequate infrastructure, it is hoped that the prices of cement and fuel oils would drop by 50 percent from the current rates," he emphasized.

He remarked that the extension of the runway at the Wamena Airport would make it possible for bigger aircraft to land and help to boost the regions economy.

"The facilities at Merauke Port also need to be upgraded along with increasing the number of cranes and extending the pier. The work on these facilities will all be completed next year," he affirmed.

The president said if the infrastructure such as the roads and ports are good, the economy in Papua would grow faster, while the distribution of logistics as well as the flow of goods and passengers would improve.

Source: ANTARA