Saturday, September 20, 2025

1) Two bodies found in Grasberg mine, five workers still missing


2) Is capital sovereignty the key to Scottish independence? 


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1) Two bodies found in Grasberg mine, five workers still missing 
 September 20, 2025 15:32 GMT+700

Timika, Central Papua (ANTARA) - Mimika Police Chief, adjunct commissioner Billyandha Hildiario Budiman, reported the rescue team on Saturday morning recovered the bodies of two Freeport workers who were buried at the Grasberg Block Cave underground mine in Tembagapura, Mimika District, Central Papua.

“The bodies were discovered at around 8:45 a.m. local time. Both were found intact, in the same location, buried under landslide material,” he said here on Saturday.

The two victims were identified as Irawan (46) from Cilacap, Central Java, and Wigih Hartono (37) from Tulungagung, East Java. Identification and post-mortem examinations are currently being conducted by the Mimika Police forensic team.

“Following the examinations, both bodies are scheduled to be flown back to their respective hometowns today,” he added.

The discovery brings the total confirmed fatalities to two, while five workers remain missing. Rescue operations are ongoing at the underground site, which has been filled with wet mud since Monday evening (September 8).

“Search efforts for the remaining workers are still underway,” Budiman stated.

Of the seven workers initially trapped, five are employees of PT Redpath Indonesia, and two are electrical technicians from PT Cipta Kontrak under the PTFI Operation Maintenance Division.

Earlier, PT Freeport Indonesia VP of Corporate Communications Katri Krisnati said the team has been working tirelessly using remote loaders, drills, and drones, despite extreme risks.

She explained that the largest challenge is the massive volume of active wet material, which is significantly higher than in previous incidents. This made the process complex, high-risk, and required additional time to remove a large amount of debris.

“This operation is extremely difficult and risky. However, we remain committed to doing everything possible,” she affirmed.

Related news: Freeport continues rescue mission at Grasberg underground site

Related news: Rescue underway after mudflow traps 7 at Freeport's Grasberg mine

Translator: Evarianus, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti

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COMMENT 
2) Is capital sovereignty the key to Scottish independence? 
15TH SEPTEMBER 2023 
By David Whyte

WEST Papua is a place that few people have heard of. And it is home to a hugely important self-determination movement that even fewer people have heard of.


Yet this movement – which seeks independence from Indonesia – also seeks independence from the international companies that are involved in extracting its resources.

A report that I authored, and was reported in The National last week, reveals that many of those companies are British, and at least one is Scottish.


In 1832, two Scottish merchants in the East India Company – William Jardine from Lochmaben and James Matheson from Lairg in Sutherland – founded the trading company Jardine Matheson.

The company was to become one of the most powerful trading houses for the British Empire in Asia during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

It played a key role in the opium war and allowed the British to capture Hong Kong. This 19th-century Scottish company remains in Hong Kong, from where it directs a global commercial empire. And this is where the little-heard-of struggle for West Papua comes in.


Jardine Matheson is one of the largest palm oil planters in Indonesia and operates plantations in West Papua. Those palm oil plantations are very often the site of militarised interventions, the displacement of people and have been the site of extrajudicial killings.

The independence struggle in West Papua resists both the political repression of the Indonesian state and the environmental destruction. In other words, this independence movement seeks sovereignty over its own government and over the industrial exploitation of its forests and rivers.

There is good reason for this. Ordinary Papuan people rely on their access to natural resources for water and food sources; West Papua is the home of the third-largest rainforest in the world, after the Amazon and Congo basins. And the rapid capitalist development of those resources is destroying the capacity of Papuans to live.

BP’s huge liquefied natural gas processing facility at Tangguh is located in the middle of one of the world’s largest continuous mangrove forests. West Papua’s largest mine, Grasberg, is one of the single worst polluters in the world, churning an estimated 300,000 tons per day of toxic tailings, largely untreated, and depositing them straight into the Ajkwa river’s large and complex network of tributaries, poisoning drinking water, fishing grounds and local crops.

Repression, extrajudicial killings and collective dispossession are the prerequisites of this industrial model that is killing the capacity of the people to live sustainably.

Human rights defenders on the ground estimate that there are more than 100,000 internally displaced people in West Papua, mostly as a direct consequence of capitalist development led by foreign investors.

For example, BP’s huge liquefied natural gas processing facility in Tangguh involved the forced relocation of 10 villages as the facility has severed local people from their ancestral fishing grounds.

Since production began, BP has faced accusations by NGOs, including Amnesty International, of colluding with Indonesian authorities, through security ties, in the repression of the Papuan population.


The Grasberg mine has been a regular site of militarised struggles with workers; striking workers have been forcibly evicted from company-owned homes, with access to hospitals and schools denied, and access to bank accounts and credit services blocked.

Indonesian security forces have also arrested strikers unlawfully and subjected them to torture and criminal prosecution.

As The National reported last week, I, along with Samira Homerang Saunders at the Centre for Climate Crime and Climate Justice at Queen Mary University of London, have written, for the first time, an audit of Britain’s involvement in this conflict.

In this audit, we name the British companies – including Jardine Matheson – and British investors that profit from mining, gas extraction and agricultural plantation projects that are staunchly opposed by those who live there.

Those companies include 14 major British investors in West Papuan palm oil plantations, including Prudential, HSBC, Legal & General and Aberdeen Group, as well as British firm Unilever which sources palm oil from two mills located in West Papua. We also name 20 major British investors in Freeport-McMoRan, the company operating the Grasberg mine.

Until the people of West Papua – rather than foreign investors – are given control over their own resources, it is impossible to see how the repression, mass displacement and continued poverty for the West Papuan people will end.

For Scotland, the lessons of the West Papuan independence movement need to be more widely known and discussed, not only because of Jardine Matheson and Aberdeen Group. This is a politically sophisticated movement that understands independence will not be achieved unless sovereignty is secured over transnational capital.


And the West Papuan independence movement is seeking to build a new nation that does not depend on predatory investment. Any investment in an independent West Papua will only be permitted on the terms set by the people.

In other words, they have strengthened the kind of approach to independence that has been weakened in the relatively privileged and rarefied politics of Scotland.

They talk about economic sovereignty based upon a radically different banking system, economy and industry that works for people, not for foreign investors.

It’s time for us to take inspiration from this independent movement that seeks real sovereignty over its future.



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Friday, September 19, 2025

1) The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) claims it shot three Indonesian military personnel in Puncak Regency.


2) Senator calls for stronger budget for treating leprosy in West Papua
3) Rising militarism 
4) 2025 Biak Cultural Festival in Papua, Indonesia Aims to Strengthen Global Tourism with Cultural Performances and International Participation  

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A google translate.
Original Bahasa link


1) The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) claims it shot three Indonesian military personnel in Puncak Regency.
Pes Yanengga
Last updated: September 19, 2025, 9:50 pm
Author: Pes Yanengga
Editor: Arjuna Pademme
Published September 19, 2025


Jayapura, Jubi – The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) claimed to have shot and killed three Indonesian military personnel in Puncak Regency, Central Papua, on Thursday (September 18, 2025).

This claim was made by TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom in a written press release on Friday (September 19, 2025).
Sambom stated that the TPNPB National Commission (Komnas TPNPB) headquarters had received an official report from the General Operations Commander, Major General Lekkagak Telenggen, that a firefight had occurred between TPNPB troops and the Indonesian government military on Thursday morning (September 18, 2025).

According to him, the gunfight that occurred involved TPNPB Kodap XXVI Kyawagi troops led by Brigadier General Biliru Murib, TPNPB Kodap XXVIII Yambi troops led by Brigadier General Tenggamati Enumbi, TPNPB Kodap XVIII Puncak Ilaga troops led by Brigadier General Peni Murib and the Gilonik Headquarters of TPNPB Kodap XXVII Sinak troops led by Brigadier General Militer Murib in Timobut.

"Three Indonesian military personnel were killed during the firefight. General Lekkagak Telenggen reported that following the deaths of three Indonesian military personnel on the battlefield, the Indonesian military immediately burned down the houses belonging to TPNPB members and entered residential areas while conducting operations," said Sebby Sambom.
Sambom stated that the management of the TPNPB National Commission (Komnas TPNPB) headquarters appealed to President Prabowo Subianto to refrain from brutal attacks against civilians in the war zone following the deaths of the three Indonesian military personnel.

He stated that General Lekkagak Telenggen and Brigadier General Murib, along with their troops, are ready to take responsibility for the incident.
"If you wish to launch a retaliatory attack, please come directly to the TPNPB headquarters. We are ready to respond within 24 hours on the battlefield," he said.
Sambom further appealed to all Papuans to unite and reclaim the independence of the Papuan nation. He said the Papuan people must be aware, rise up, and resist the Indonesian government's illegal occupation of Papuan land. Jubi has attempted to confirm the TPNPB's claim with the XVII/Cenderawasih Regional Military Command (Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih), but as of the publication of this report, no statement has been received. (*)

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2) Senator calls for stronger budget for treating leprosy in West Papua
  September 19, 2025 19:48 GMT+700

Manokwari, West Papua (ANTARA) - Chair of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) Committee III, Filep Wamafma, has called on both central and regional governments to allocate a special budget for leprosy control programs in West Papua Province.

“Leprosy treatment has not been maximal, as it still relies heavily on the Health Operational Assistance (BOK) funds from the state budget (APBN) through the Ministry of Health," he said in a written statement here on Friday.

According to him, the funds from both APBN and regional budgets (APBD) to treat leprosy in the region are very limited.

He called for stronger budget support from both central and regional governments to ensure leprosy handling programs meet expectations.

Adequate funding, he said, is needed not only for medication but also for strengthening healthcare worker capacity, improving service facilities, and optimizing early detection efforts.

“As a regional representative, I will push the Ministry of Health to allocate APBN support. The same goes for the local governments,” he added.

Aside from funding, frequent changes in health officials also disrupt the continuity of leprosy programs, which require consistency due to the disease’s infectious nature.

Many healthcare workers have raised this concern. "There is no training budget, and with every change in officials, the programs change as well,” Wamafma stated.

West Papua Health Office Head Alwan Rimosan reported 422 leprosy cases as of September 2023, including 254 new ones.

Some ongoing efforts to address this are by pushing the leprosy problem in the 2025-2029 Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD), ensuring medicine distribution, conducting outreach, and applying chemoprophylaxis.

Rimosan also mentioned some challenges, including a lack of trained personnel, minimal funding from districts, and incomplete reporting from Pegunungan Arfak, Kaimana, and Teluk Wondama Districts.

Related news: Indonesia intensifies leprosy elimination in 111 districts, cities

Related news: Minister visits leprosy patients, pushes early screening

Related news: Indonesia expands efforts to end leprosy, targets 2030 eradication

Translator: Fransiskus, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala

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3) Rising militarism 
In the wake of looting and rioting in late August, President Prabowo Subianto deployed more than 75,000 Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers to secure areas in and around Jakarta.
Editorial board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, September 19, 2025 


Political developments in the past few weeks have not been very kind to the concept of civilian supremacy in the country. In the wake of looting and rioting that took place in late August, President Prabowo Subianto agreed to the deployment of more than 75,000 soldiers from the Indonesian Military (TNI) to secure areas within and around Jakarta.  It could have been a bigger display of military might, as security authorities proposed the deployment of more than 100,000 troops in the city. The troops’ deployment may have been the largest in the capital city since 1998, when soldiers in armored vehicles patrolled the streets following civil unrest that ended with the resignation of then-president Soeharto. 

Also in response to the unrest in August, President Prabowo sacked coordinating minister for political and security affairs Budi Gunawan after serving only 10 months in office, convinced that the former police general had failed to coordinate a proper response to handle the protests and street violence.

To replace Budi, on Wednesday President Prabowo inaugurated Djamari Chaniago, his senior at the military academy who in the late 1990s served as commander of the Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad). 



The appointment of Djamari is only the latest in a series of decisions allowing both active and retired military generals to take charge of civilian institutions.  In May this year, then-finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati appointed Djaka Budhi Utama, a retired lieutenant general who was once found guilty of kidnapping human rights activists, as head of the Customs and Excise Directorate General.  Later in July, another Army officer Maj. Gen. Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani was appointed as president director of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), in charge of one of the most crucial agencies involved in food security.


Other than packing civilian institutions with military generals, President Prabowo has also designed policies that allow military officers to have leading positions in their execution. In the food security program, the plan is to have thousands of soldiers deployed in the country’s remote regions to work on lands that will produce rice and other staple foods.  Currently, TNI soldiers are taking leading roles in a forestry task force that is expected to seize lands illegally occupied or used by palm oil companies.  Plans are also afoot to expand the military presence outside of Java, including the deployment of the Army’s Special Forces (Kopassus) to far-flung regions. 

This certainly looks like an aberration in a civilian-led democracy like Indonesia. But the reality today is that this expansion of the military’s role in politics could find its legal justification in the revised TNI Law, which was passed without much fanfare in March this year.



The revised law increases the number of state institutions to which military officers can be appointed without having to retire early from the service from 10 to 14. The new legislation also expands the TNI’s non-combat operations and extends sitting officers’ retirement age. When the Constitutional Court (MK) read its ruling on Wednesday to uphold the legality of the revised TNI Law, the court’s judges were up against insurmountable odds.  It was difficult for them to turn the tide in a political atmosphere that was already welcoming the increased presence of the military in civilian affairs. And with soldiers still patrolling the streets as the court was hearing the case, it was as if the panel of judges was staring down the barrel.
But it is unfair to pin our hopes on the court to save this nation from rising militarism. 

 The job of ensuring civilian supremacy should be in the hands of politicians both in the executive and legislative branches of the government, it is they who should devise rules mandating that the primary role of the military is national defense.



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https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/2025-biak-cultural-festival-in-papua-indonesia-aims-to-strengthen-global-tourism-with-cultural-performances-and-international-participation/


4) 2025 Biak Cultural Festival in Papua, Indonesia Aims to Strengthen Global Tourism with Cultural Performances and International Participation  

Published on September 19, 2025

Papua, Indonesia, has long been known for its rich culture, stunning natural landscapes, and deep-rooted traditions. The Biak Cultural Festival 2025 is poised to build on this legacy by attracting international tourists and putting the region in the global spotlight. This festival, scheduled for October 18–20, 2025, aims to showcase Papuan culture to the world, celebrating its unique traditions, art, music, and culinary heritage. By offering an immersive cultural experience, it will help position Papua as an emerging destination for cultural tourism in Indonesia and beyond.


Embracing Global Tourism Opportunities

The Biak Cultural Festival 2025 is designed to be more than just a local celebration. It is part of a larger strategy to position Papua as a premier destination for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences. The event will be a melting pot of traditional dance, food, music, and arts from both within Indonesia and neighboring nations, such as Papua New Guinea. This will offer tourists an opportunity to engage with diverse cultures while discovering the heritage of the Biak people.



Papua’s tourism sector has been expanding, and the 2025 Biak Cultural Festival is expected to play a key role in attracting not only domestic but also international visitors. With performances such as the mesmerizing Wor and Yospan dances and the ancient apen beyeren ritual, which involves walking barefoot on hot stones, the festival will appeal to tourists seeking unique and unforgettable experiences.

This festival will also serve as a platform to promote Papuan cuisine and traditional crafts. Local artisans and businesses will have the opportunity to exhibit their products, providing visitors with the chance to take home authentic souvenirs. This celebration of local talent will highlight the creative economy and offer a glimpse into the region’s sustainable development through small businesses(MSMEs) and entrepreneurship.



A Platform for International Cultural Exchange

One of the main attractions of the festival will be its international focus. With guests from neighboring Papua New Guinea and even countries as far as Seychelles, the festival aims to foster cross-cultural understanding. This focus on international participation will not only enhance the cultural richness of the event but also strengthen global ties. Tourists from various parts of the world will have the opportunity to experience and learn from the rich cultural diversity of Papua.

Papua New Guinea, a neighboring island nation, shares much of the same cultural and historical background as Papua. Therefore, this festival offers a unique opportunity to deepen the connection between these two regions, fostering a greater sense of unity and shared heritage. By welcoming visitors from the Pacific Islands and beyond, the festival will promote Papua as a cultural hub that links diverse cultures and people.



The international cultural festival planned for 2026 promises to build on the foundation set by the 2025 event. The upcoming festival will involve even more countries from the Pacific and other parts of the world, strengthening the global profile of Papua tourism.

Economic Impacts: Boosting Local Economies

The Biak Cultural Festival 2025 will not only have cultural significance but also major economic impacts. By attracting international tourists, the festival will generate substantial income for local businesses, especially those in the hospitality, food, and tourism sectors. Visitors will require accommodations, meals, and transportation, offering a boost to local economies and providing employment opportunities for the region.

Furthermore, the inclusion of small businesses in the festival through exhibitions and live demonstrations of traditional cooking and craftwork will help highlight the importance of the creative economy in Papua. This will encourage further investments in local industries, particularly those tied to sustainable tourism and cultural preservation.

Local artists and craftspeople will also benefit from increased visibility during the event, which could open up new markets for their work. This supports the idea of tourism as a tool for economic empowerment, creating a lasting impact on the livelihoods of individuals involved in the creative sectors.


Preserving Culture Through Tourism

The theme for the 2025 festival, “Loving Culture to Shape Character”, emphasizes the role of culture in shaping identity. By showcasing local traditions and promoting cultural preservation, the event plays a crucial role in maintaining the cultural heritage of the Biak people. The Biak Cultural Festival provides a platform for the younger generation to engage with their cultural roots, ensuring the continuation of traditions in the face of modernization.

Cultural tourism, as seen in other parts of the world, has the potential to drive both the conservation of cultural practices and the economic development of the region. By emphasizing Papuan traditionsand art forms, the festival ensures that the local community remains connected to their roots while welcoming the influences of a globalized world.


From Local Festival to International Icon

The Biak Cultural Festival is set to grow over the coming years. After the 2025 edition, plans for an even larger international cultural festival in 2026 are already in motion. This longer-term vision of turning Biak into an international cultural destination is set to attract greater international attention, from tourists and businesses alike. By expanding the scope of the festival and involving a wider range of international participants, Papua will establish itself as a significant player in the global tourism market.

This progressive vision aligns with broader goals within the Indonesian tourism sector, where cultural tourism is a priority. By tapping into the growing global interest in authentic travel experiences, Papua is positioning itself as an unspoiled gem for culture seekers worldwide.


Building a Global Tourism Network

One of the key benefits of the festival is the opportunity it presents to build international partnerships. By inviting countries from the Pacific and East Africa, such as Seychelles, the festival strengthens its standing as a central hub for cross-cultural dialogue and understanding. These international connections not only enhance the experience for attendees but also lay the groundwork for long-term collaboration in the tourism and cultural exchange sectors.

As a result, Papua is becoming a beacon for both tourism and international cooperation. This festival exemplifies how culture can be used as a tool for fostering relationships, driving economic growth, and enhancing global awareness of lesser-known but deeply fascinating destinations.


The Future of Biak Tourism

Looking ahead, the Biak Cultural Festival 2025 will help raise the profile of Papua as a cultural tourism destination. The event is expected to inspire future tourism initiatives in the region, creating lasting infrastructure improvements and further promoting the preservation of local culture. As international tourism continues to expand, Papua stands ready to showcase its vibrant cultural traditions, diverse landscapes, and welcoming community.

In conclusion, the Biak Cultural Festival 2025 is much more than a celebration of local traditions. It represents a pivotal moment for Papua tourism, with the potential to transform the region into a global cultural destination. Through international collaboration, economic development, and the preservation of cultural heritage, the festival offers a model for sustainable tourism and cultural exchange. As the festival evolves into a more prominent event in the years to come, it will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of Papua on the world tourism map.


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Thursday, September 18, 2025

1) Yalimo Students Urge Police to Investigate Alleged Racist


2) Improve Papua healthcare facilities following VP's directive : Deputy  
3) Indonesian VP Gibran reviews Sekolah Rakyat in Papua 

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A google translate.
Original Bahasa link

1) Yalimo Students Urge Police to Investigate Alleged Racist
Aida Ulim
Last updated: September 18, 2025 7:03 pm
Author: Aida Ulim
Editor: Arjuna Pademme
Published September 18, 2025

Jayapura, Jubi – The Yalimo Regency Student Association (HMKY) of Indonesia, located in Jayapura City, Papua, is urging the Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua) and the Yalimo Resort Police (Polres Yalimo), Papua Mountains, to investigate the alleged perpetrators of racist remarks, which are suspected of triggering the riot in Elelim, the capital of Yalimo Regency, on Tuesday (September 16, 2025).

The Deputy Chairperson of the Yalimo Regency Student Association, Peres Walilo, stated that in addition to investigating the alleged perpetrators of racist remarks, the police must also investigate the perpetrators of the shooting of civilians during the riot.

"We, the Yalimo students, demand that the Papua Regional Police and the Jayawijaya Police immediately resolve the unrest in Yalimo, allegedly triggered by racist remarks made by a student at State Senior High School 1 Elelim, against indigenous Papuan students, to prevent the situation from escalating," Walio said in Jayapura City on Thursday (September 18, 2025).

He stated that the situation in Yalimo remains unstable following the riot. Therefore, the police must immediately take legal action and prosecute the alleged perpetrators of the racist remarks.
The alleged racist remarks that led to the unrest resulted in fatalities, injuries, and material losses.

Yalimo students from across Indonesia also requested that the Papua Regional Police Chief and the Commander of the XVII Cenderawasih Regional Military Command (Pangdam XVII Cenderawasih) halt the deployment of security forces to Yalimo, as they fear the policy will instill fear in the local community.
"We don't want the situation to escalate with the presence of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) deployed to Yalimo. Therefore, the Jayawijaya Police Chief, along with the Papua Regional Police, must immediately arrest the alleged perpetrators of the racist remarks and investigate the shooting. There's no need to send any more officers there," he said.

He said that, based on information obtained from Yalimo residents, the victims were identified as Alex Tuliahanuk, a high school student, and Thomas Aliknoe and Siro Wandik, both civilians.
Tomi Aliknoe, a member of the Yalimo Student Association, urged the Yalimo Regency Government to take immediate action to address the problem to prevent further violence that could result in loss of life.
"We also ask the Yalimo Regency Representative Council to take serious action regarding this incident," said Tomi Aliknoe.

Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations for the Papua Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Cahyo Sukarnito, told Jubi via text message that the riot in Yalimo injured seven Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and Indonesian National Police (Polri) personnel and injured 18 civilians.

In addition, dozens of houses and kiosks were burned, six houses in the Yalimo Police dormitory, and one officer's dormitory were burned.

"Dozens of two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles were burned, one school building was damaged, and one district office was burned. Evacuees are being held at two locations: the Yalimo Police Station and the Jayawijaya Police Station in Wamena," Cahyo said. (*)





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2) Improve Papua healthcare facilities following VP's directive : Deputy  

September 18, 2025 18:39 GMT+700

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Home Affairs Minister Ribka Haluk has pledged to improve healthcare infrastructure in Papua, following a three-day visit to the region by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka earlier this week.

Ribka said the Vice President issued a series of directives to enhance services in several sectors after inspecting facilities across Papua from September 16 to 18.

“Many healthcare facilities and hospitals need renovations, better governance, and improved management. We met with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), and there are many issues that must be addressed,” she said in a statement on Thursday.

Ribka made the remarks after joining the Vice President in a closed-door meeting at Gedung Negara in Jayapura with the Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Papua’s Acting Governor, local mayors, regents, and Forkopimda officials.

She added that the Ministry of Home Affairs will soon convene a technical meeting involving other ministries to follow up on the outcomes of the Vice President’s visit.

“There’s a lot to improve, and everything has been recorded. Once we return to Jakarta, we’ll move forward with a technical meeting,” she said.

Related news: Papua govt sends five specialist doctors to Biak Public Hospital

Before visiting Papua, the Vice President traveled to South Papua, where Ribka noted that many schools and healthcare facilities urgently require upgrades.

She said health services in both provinces need improvements in infrastructure as well as administrative and service delivery systems.

During his tour, Gibran reviewed progress on the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, assessed education and healthcare services, and discussed the Regional Transfer Funds (TKD) mechanism.

Ribka confirmed that the Vice President’s instructions—especially those concerning health and education—will be acted upon promptly.

TKD-related matters will involve discussions with the Ministry of Finance and other relevant agencies, she added, emphasizing the need for strong inter-ministerial coordination.

“We will continue coordination at the national level,” Ribka said.

Related news: Papua govt calls for prioritizing locals in healthcare recruitment


Translator: Fianda, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution


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3) Indonesian VP Gibran reviews Sekolah Rakyat in Papua 
 September 18, 2025 15:04 GMT+700

Jayapura (ANTARA) - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka reviewed a senior high school under the government's tuition-free education program, Sekolah Rakyat (People's School), in Jayapura, Papua, on Thursday, where he also distributed school supplies to students.

He visited Sekolah Rakyat Senior High School (SRMA) 29, inspecting infrastructure, facilities, and equipment while greeting students and encouraging them to stay motivated.

John Mampioper, head of the Jayapura Center for Social Welfare Education and Training, noted that SRMA 29 is better equipped than some other schools outside Papua.

"Vice President Gibran emphasized the importance of discipline, maintaining health, and honing skills to achieve their dreams. He particularly encouraged those aspiring to pursue careers in the military or police," Mampioper said.

He expressed gratitude for Gibran's visit, which included distributing school supplies and motivating students to keep learning.

"We are delighted to see Vice President Gibran give motivational messages directly to the pupils of SRMA 29 in Jayapura and interact with them," he added.

One of the students, Gilbert Piter Kaiba, voiced his excitement over the rare opportunity to meet the vice president in person.

"Earlier, Mr. Vice President told us to do our best in studying and follow all instructions from teachers. It is an honor for us to interact directly with him and receive school bags and supplies," he said.

He expressed hope that Gibran would one day return to Jayapura and meet more students.

Gibran began his agenda in Papua on Wednesday by reviewing the Free Nutritious Meals program at a public junior high school and inspecting the Free Health Checks program at a community health center in Jayapura.

Related news: Govt expands internet access to support Sekolah Rakyat program
Related news: Prabowo targets 500 Sekolah Rakyat to boost education access



Translator: Qadri P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso

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