UNA Fiji attended the Development in Indonesia: Lessons Learned from Papua and for the Pacific seminar.
The Indonesian Embassy hosted a seminar titled "Development in Indonesia: Lessons Learned from Papua and for the Pacific". This event brought together distinguished speakers and discussants to explore Papua's development journey and its relevance to the Pacific region. The session was moderated by Mr. Sokovoli Odrovakavula, President of the Indonesian Scholarships Fiji Alumni, and featured key insights from Reverend Albert Yoku, Mr. Pascal Norotouw (Chairman of Tabi Traditional Youth in Papua), Dr. Amit Prakash (consultant), and Mr. Serupepeli Udre (Director at Fiji’s Ministry of Education).
Key Themes and Discussions
Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Education:
Reverend Albert Yoku highlighted the significant contribution of faith-based organizations to Papua’s development, particularly in the education sector. For over a century, institutions such as Catholic, Adventist, and Islamic organizations have played a pivotal role in establishing nearly 100 schools across provincial regions. These institutions have been instrumental in instilling values, fostering religious tolerance, and laying a strong foundation for societal development.
In recent years, the Indonesian government has supported these initiatives by funding teachers, further enhancing access to quality education. This collaboration between faith-based organizations and the government serves as an inspiring model for Pacific nations seeking to promote inclusive development.
Youth Engagement and Development:
The importance of youth engagement in Papua was emphasized by Mr. Pascal Norotouw, who described the efforts of the Papua Youth Creative Hub. This initiative provides scholarships for higher education, both domestically and internationally, and offers vocational training to equip young people with essential skills. Such efforts are seen as critical in addressing unemployment and poverty while nurturing the talents of Papua’s youth.
Over the past decade, the increasing involvement of young people has been transformative for Papua’s development. Education and scholarship programs have emerged as key drivers of human resource development. Additionally, the role of youth in fostering interfaith harmony was highlighted, with strong relationships between different religious communities beginning at a young age.
This model of youth empowerment aligns with similar efforts in Fiji and other Pacific nations, where the potential of young people is being harnessed to contribute to national development.
Special Autonomy and Governance:
Discussions also explored Papua’s Special Autonomy law, which aims to preserve cultural diversity, enhance regional governance, and promote equitable development. This framework has been designed to reduce disparities between Papua and other provinces, while respecting the unique cultural and administrative needs of the region.
One speaker noted that the first two decades of Special Autonomy presented challenges in implementation, despite some progress. However, in recent years, increased youth involvement and educational initiatives have played a significant role in overcoming these obstacles.
For Pacific nations, Papua’s experience with Special Autonomy offers valuable lessons on the balance between central governance and regional autonomy. This approach highlights the importance of addressing local challenges while maintaining national cohesion.
Economic Development and Integration:
The seminar also addressed strategies for advancing economic development and integrating communities into sustainable growth frameworks. The importance of agricultural transformation and fostering a green economy was discussed as part of Papua’s broader development agenda.
Fiji’s collaboration with Indonesia was highlighted by Mr. Serupepeli Udre, who referred to the 2023 Denarau Declaration, outlining a 10-year educational strategy. He emphasized Indonesia’s support in building classrooms and dormitories at Queen Victoria School (QVS), which has greatly enhanced educational infrastructure for Fijian students.
Role of Social Media in Youth Expression:
An interesting dimension of the seminar was the role of social media in amplifying youth voices in Papua. Platforms such as TikTok were described as tools for creative expression, enabling young people to showcase their talents and share their stories with a wider audience. This digital engagement not only fosters cultural pride but also raises awareness about Papuan issues within Indonesia and beyond.
The Pacific region, including Fiji, could draw inspiration from such initiatives to empower its youth and promote cultural heritage through digital platforms.
Feedback and Reflections:
Attendees noted the seminar’s emphasis on governance and cultural diversity, particularly through Papua’s Special Autonomy law. This framework was recognized as a vital tool for addressing regional disparities and promoting inclusive development. The acknowledgment of initial challenges in implementation underscored the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement in governance.
The contributions of faith-based organizations to Papua’s education system were particularly inspiring. Their efforts in building schools and supporting teachers have significantly impacted community development. The collaboration between these organizations and the government serves as a powerful example of how partnerships can drive positive change.
The seminar also shed light on the critical role of youth in Papua’s development. Identifying potential leaders from grassroots levels and supporting them through scholarships ensures that young people contribute meaningfully to society. Programs such as the Papua Youth Creative Hub demonstrate the value of investing in vocational training and skills development.
Discussions on social media further highlighted its potential as a platform for youth expression and cultural representation. The creative use of digital tools by Papuan youth aligns with trends in the Pacific, where technology is becoming an essential driver of innovation and development.
The seminar, "Development in Indonesia: Lessons Learned from Papua and for the Pacific", provided valuable insights into Papua’s development journey. From the impactful role of faith-based organizations to the increasing involvement of youth and the governance challenges addressed under Special Autonomy, the discussions offered meaningful lessons for the Pacific region.
By drawing on Papua’s experiences and fostering stronger regional partnerships, Pacific nations such as Fiji can enhance their development strategies and work toward a future of shared prosperity and sustainable growth.
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