JAKARTA – The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, and Deputy Minister Ahmad Riza Patria received an audience with the Governor of West Papua, Dominggus Mandacan, at the Ministry's office on Wednesday (March 4, 2026).

During the meeting, the Governor of West Papua presented several priority programs requiring intervention from the Ministry for seven regencies, 91 districts, 57 urban villages, and 817 villages (kampung).

"We have programmed the Strengthening of the Village Economy Based on Local Potential. Additionally, there are programs in the fields of Education and Health," said Governor Mandacan.

Furthermore, the West Papua Province is preparing programs to increase the capacity of village officials and residents, along with infrastructure development in rural areas and the development of disadvantaged regions.

The Governor also noted that three regencies—Fakfak, Kaimana, and Manokwari—are not yet fully connected to the capital of West Papua Province.

Minister Yandri responded positively to the proposed programs, as they align with the ministry's "12 Priority Actions: Building Villages, Building Indonesia."

One of the priority programs highlighted was the Export Village initiative. Consequently, the Ministry encouraged West Papua to detail village potentials that possess export value.

"Nowadays, villages can export directly through Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes)," Minister Yandri stated.

Another priority is the Tourism Village program. To this end, the Governor was asked to designate one village to serve as a pilot project for tourism development. Minister Yandri also invited West Papua to participate in the Thematic Village development, tailored to the specific potential of each village.

"West Papua is also a locus for the Integrated Village Economic Transformation (TEKAD) program, covering 185 villages across Manokwari, South Manokwari, Arfak Mountains, Fakfak, and Kaimana," added Minister Yandri.

The TEKAD program is believed to be a catalyst for boosting village economic development. Additionally, the Ministry is pushing to resolve issues in villages that still lack cellular signals and internet access.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Ariza noted that development in the Papua region faces unique challenges due to its geographical conditions and the presence of regions categorized as disadvantaged or even highly disadvantaged.

"There are three major issues faced by villages in Indonesia: human resources, infrastructure, and access to financing," said Deputy Minister Ariza.

He explained that while the government has launched various priority programs to boost development, local governments should not rely solely on budgets sourced from the APBN (State Budget) or APBD (Regional Budget).

"Empowerment must be carried out through Octahelix collaboration, involving multiple stakeholders," Ariza concluded.

Also in attendance were the Director General of PEID, Tabrani; Director General of PDP, Nugroho Setijo Nagoro; Director General of PPDT, Samsul Widodo; Head of BPI, Mulyadin Malik; and Special Staff to the Minister, Fahad At-Tamimi.

Foto: Wening/Kemendes PDT 
Teks: Firman/Kemendes PDT