The dialogue forum titled “Development in Indonesia: Lessons Learned from Papua and for the Pacific” recently took place in Suva, Fiji, marking a significant event focused on the developmental achievements of Papua, an Indonesian province.
The primary objective of this forum was to shed light on the progress made in Papua, celebrate its vibrant local culture, and present the substantial advancements that have been realized in this eastern region of Indonesia.
Prominent speakers from Papua shared their expertise and insights regarding the social and economic developments in the area. The forum attracted a diverse audience that included church leaders, community group representatives, alumni from the Indonesia Scholarship Fiji program, Fijian students, government officials, NGOs operating in Fiji, local media, and members of the Fiji-Indonesia Friendship Association.
Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji, Dupito Simamora, expressed that the forum was designed to foster thought-provoking discussions and encourage new ideas on sustainable development strategies that could be beneficial for both Papua and Fiji. Sokovoli Ordovakavula, a civil engineer and the President of Indonesia Scholarship Fiji Alumni, emphasized the importance of exploring unique initiatives from Papua that could be applicable to Fiji’s development goals, particularly those aimed at enhancing social and economic conditions in remote areas.
Additionally, Serupepeli Udre, the Acting Director for Assets and Infrastructure Services at the Ministry of Education, discussed the potential for successful bilateral collaborations between the governments of Indonesia and Fiji, which could pave the way for meaningful follow-up projects aligned with Fiji’s developmental agenda.
This forum serves as a positive platform for fostering collaboration and learning between regions, emphasizing that by sharing knowledge and experiences, both Papua and Fiji can work towards sustainable and inclusive development.
In summary, the successful hosting of this forum illustrates the commitment of both countries to collaboratively address development issues and learn from each other’s experiences, highlighting the potential for growth and partnership in the Pacific region.
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