Sorong. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating development in Papua following a three-day working visit across the region, underscoring efforts to deliver infrastructure and social programs more quickly.

Gibran traveled from April 20–22 to several key locations, including Nabire, Timika, Yahukimo, Sorong and Raja Ampat, where he reviewed the implementation of priority government programs and met with local officials.

Accompanied by Chief Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago and Deputy Home Affairs Minister Ribka Haluk, the vice president said coordination among central and regional authorities is key to ensuring projects are delivered effectively.

“We, as assistants to the President, are committed to accelerating development in Papua. With dedicated committees and institutions now in place, all parties are working together to push this forward,” Gibran said on Wednesday after inspecting Sorong Regional Hospital.

The visit focused on monitoring flagship programs, including the government’s free nutritious meals initiative, as well as broader development efforts spanning healthcare, education and community empowerment.

Gibran pointed to ongoing construction of hospitals, schools and fishing villages as examples of the administration’s push to improve living standards in eastern Indonesia. “We’ve seen progress in hospital development, fishermen’s villages, and schools, along with programs like free meals. We want to ensure these initiatives deliver real impact for Papuans,” he said.

On the final day of his trip, Gibran visited multiple sites in Sorong and Raja Ampat, including a fisheries market, a public elementary school, a coastal community project, regional hospitals and government offices in Southwest Papua Province.

The government expects the accelerated rollout of these programs to help narrow regional disparities and boost welfare in Papua, long one of Indonesia’s least-developed regions despite its vast natural resources.