Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - The government should focus on social approach in resolving the conflict in Papua, former Vice President Jusuf Kalla believes.

"There still needs to be social efforts and better education," he said in a press conference after receiving the Hamengku Buwono IX Award at Yogyakarta's Gadjah Mada University, Thursday.

President Joko Widodo has made various efforts to build Papua, also known as 'Bumi Cenderawasih', he said.

However, he believed there is still a need to resolve social problems in order to ensure that Papuans can fully enjoy the positive impact of development in their everyday lives.

Until now, the development in Papua had often been seen as inadequate, but he believed the progress has been extraordinary, he further said.

"In reality, the development has been extraordinary, which means there are social problems that we need to pay attention to in regards to Papua," he said.

Conflicts happen in all parts of the world and each one is different from the other, he further said.

Despite that, conflicts need to be resolved with dignity, he added.

Kalla received the 2019 Hamengku Buwono IX Award in the summit of the 70th Anniversary of the University of Gadjah Mada for his services in the social field through concrete contributions in increasing the people's capabilities and welfare, as well as his role in prosperity and peace. (INE)

Related news: Government to prioritize holistic development for Papua
Related news: Bappenas composes policy centering on swifter development in Papua
Related news: President's youth staff to promote young Papuans' products in US