The dialogue forum titled “Development in Indonesia: Lessons Learned from Papua and for the Pacific” was successfully conducted in Suva, Fiji. This event aimed to shed light on the development progress in Indonesia’s Papua province while celebrating its vibrant local culture and showcasing the significant achievements made in this easternmost region of the Indonesian archipelago.
The forum featured esteemed speakers from Papua, who provided valuable insights into the region’s social and economic advancements. It attracted a diverse audience, including church leaders, community group representatives, members of the Indonesia Scholarship Fiji Alumni, Fijian students, government officials, Fiji-based NGOs, Indonesian students in Fiji, think tanks, local media, and representatives from the Fiji Indonesia Friendship Association.
Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji, Dupito Simamora, emphasized that the interactive discussions with a lineup of distinguished speakers and discussants from both Indonesia and Fiji were meant to foster thought-provoking conversations and encourage new perspectives on sustainable development models that could align with the needs of both Papua and Fiji.
Sokovoli Ordovakavula, a civil engineer and President of the Indonesia Scholarship Fiji Alumni, highlighted that many of Indonesia’s development initiatives are particularly tailored for Papua. He noted the importance of exploring how some of these initiatives, especially those implemented in remote areas, could be applicable to the Fijian government’s efforts to enhance social and economic progress in Fiji.
Additionally, Serupepeli Udre, the Acting Director for Assets and Infrastructure Services in the Ministry of Education, discussed previous and potential collaborations between the Indonesian and Fijian governments that could contribute to ongoing developments within Fiji.
This forum represents a meaningful step toward fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge between Indonesia and Fiji, highlighting a commitment to sustainable development that could benefit both regions.
Overall, the successful execution of this forum signifies the importance of international dialogue in tackling development challenges and exploring innovative solutions that can be mutually beneficial. The outcomes from this event could pave the way for more cooperative efforts in various sectors, ultimately enhancing the livelihoods of people in both Papua and Fiji.
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