The dialogue forum titled “Development in Indonesia: Lessons Learned from Papua and for the Pacific” recently took place in Suva, Fiji, and was met with significant success. The primary goal of the event was to spotlight the development achievements within the Indonesian province of Papua, celebrate its vibrant local culture, and demonstrate the tangible progress made in this easternmost region of the Indonesian archipelago.
During the forum, esteemed speakers from Papua shared valuable insights regarding the social and economic advancements occurring in their region. The event attracted a diverse range of participants, including church leaders, community group representatives, members of the Indonesia Scholarship Fiji Alumni, local Fijian students, government officials, NGOs, Indonesian students based in Fiji, think tanks, the local media, and representatives of the Fiji-Indonesia Friendship Association.
Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji, Dupito Simamora, emphasized that the forum aimed to foster engaging discussions on sustainable development models applicable to both Papua and Fiji. He signaled the importance of exchanging ideas between distinguished speakers and discussants from both countries to explore innovative approaches to development.
Sokovoli Ordovakavula, a civil engineering professional and President of Indonesia Scholarship Fiji Alumni, highlighted the uniqueness of development initiatives in Papua and suggested that some of these projects, particularly those addressing the challenges of remote areas, could provide insights for the Fijian government’s efforts in enhancing social and economic development across Fiji.
Additionally, Serupepeli Udre, the Acting Director for Assets and Infrastructure Services at the Ministry of Education, discussed previous and prospective bilateral collaborations between the Indonesian and Fijian governments that could pave the way for further development projects in Fiji.
This event stands as a hopeful reminder of the possibilities within international cooperation, where sharing knowledge and strategies can lead to sustainable advancements in both regions. By learning from each other, Papua and Fiji have the opportunity to create tailored solutions that address their distinct challenges while promoting mutual growth.
Overall, the forum not only celebrated the progress made in Papua but also opened avenues for collaborative efforts that could benefit both Indonesia and Fiji in their respective development journeys.
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