Vice presidential candidate Gibran Rakabuming Raka made his debut visit to Papua as he campaigned in Jayapura on Friday, declaring his commitment to continue development in the region if elected.

“This is the first time I’ve visited Papua and the welcome has been incredible and warm. I wish you all good fortune,” he said when meeting local leaders at Kampung Sereh, as quoted by Antara News.

Gibran emphasized the crucial need for balanced development across Indonesia, outlining his plan to expand traditional markets in Papua. He said that expanding traditional markets, particularly in Jayapura, was pivotal in supporting communities and improving the local economy.

The Surakarta, Central Java, mayor also promised to improve the connectivity of roads in Papua, including both national roads and kampung roads.

"If the roads are not well-connected and well-built, if they have potholes or are unpaved, then the prices of goods and logistics will always be high," he said.

Gibran added that if he and presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto win their election bid, the pair will shift away from a Java-centric development and pay more attention to other regions, especially Papua.

"In addition to continuously improving connectivity through roads in Papua, we will also draft a bill for customary law communities to protect customary land and forests," he said.

Yanto Eluay, a prominent figure in the indigenous Papuan community, expressed the collective desire of Papua's native population for fair treatment within the country.

According to Eluay, the indigenous people of Papua have yet to receive the justice they seek. Therefore, they hoped for fairness to be extended to the Papuan people, who coexist openly with their fellow citizens from outside Papua.

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