The “Development in Indonesia: Lessons Learned from Papua and for the Pacific” dialogue forum took place successfully earlier this month in Suva, focusing on the development progress of Indonesia’s Papua province. The event aimed to shed light on local culture and the advancements made in this easternmost region of Indonesia.
In attendance were several notable speakers from Papua, including Rev. Alberth Yoku, Pascal Norotouw, and Lenis Kogoya, who discussed social and economic developments in the area. A diverse audience made up of church leaders, representatives from community groups, Indonesian students in Fiji, and local media, among others, participated in the forum.
The event began with a video presentation that showcased Papua’s natural beauty and developmental progress while highlighting cultural similarities with Fiji. The Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji, Mr. Dupito Simamora, welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of the discussions aimed at fostering collaboration and sustainable development models applicable to both Papua and Fiji.
Moderated by Sokovoli Ordovakavula, President of the Indonesia Scholarship Fiji Alumni (ISFA), discussions addressed the challenges and successes of Papua’s development. Ordovakavula noted the parallels between the challenges faced in Papua and those encountered in Fiji, suggesting that lessons could be learned from both sides to enhance economic and social progress.
Rev. Alberth Yoku explained the achievements made under the Special Autonomy Framework from the Indonesian government, which emphasizes traditional customs and interfaith tolerance in policy-making. Pascal Norotouw discussed the crucial role of youth in developing social capacities in Papua and advocated for educational collaborations between Papua and Fiji to foster better understanding among Melanesian communities.
Dr. Lenis Kogoya elaborated on the importance of grassroots communication in driving development efforts in Papua. He highlighted the need for collaboration in education and economic initiatives between Papua and other Pacific Island communities.
Amit Prakash, an independent economic consultant, suggested five key recommendations aimed at enhancing trade among Melanesian countries, while Serupepeli Udre, from the Fijian Education Ministry, addressed the challenges in accessing quality education, advocating for ongoing bilateral collaboration.
The forum concluded with a generous donation from Ambassador Simamora, who presented new educational equipment worth $175,642 to QVS Principal Timoci Vosailagi, underlining the commitment to youth empowerment and education.
This forum reflects a hopeful and constructive dialogue between Indonesia and Fiji, showcasing the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges and enhancing mutual understanding and development across the Pacific.
In summary, the event highlighted the potential for cooperation between Indonesia’s Papua and Pacific nations like Fiji in addressing common developmental challenges while celebrating cultural ties. The commitment to education and youth development emerged as key themes, promising a path towards more sustainable social and economic growth in the region.
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