President Jokowi Arrives in Merauke

Merauke, Papua (Antara Bali) -President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and First Lady Ibu Iriana Widodo arrived here, Sunday at around 9 a.m. local time for a five-hour working visit.

Upon arrival by an Indonesian Air Forces Hercules plane at Merauke airport, the President and his entourage proceeded to Wapeko, Kurik Sub-district, Merauke District, for a journey of some 80 km by cars.

In Wapeko, the head of state was slated to join a grand paddy harvesting and to release 10 thousand Nila fingerlings.

Some 500 farmers would greet the president in Wapeko.

On Saturday, in Jayapura, Papua, Jokowi emphasized that the Indonesian government was committed to developing Papua, always bearing in mind the welfare of the people in the countys easternmost province.

"The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing has set aside Rp6 trillion for general development, which does not include the development of traditional markets, agriculture and ports. There are more needs to be incorporated under the development of Papua," he affirmed.

During his three-day working visit to Papua, Jokowi pointed out that he admired the development of the Pharaa Market in Jayapura district, Papua, which used architectural elements and tribal variations from the Sentani ethnic community.

"I am surprised with the development of this market, with its terminal and facilities to process waste into fertilizers," President Jokowi said while visiting the market.

In addition, the head of state stressed that the economy in Papua must be driven through infrastructural development such as building markets. As a result, Papuans will be able to savor their own natural resources, or else there will be social and economic jealousy in the province. (WDY)