TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming stated that development in Indonesia is no longer concentrated on the island of Java. Gibran expressed his view during the opening event of the 2026 National Church Choir Festival in Manokwari, West Papua.
He said that the current development is Indonesia-centric, not Java-centric. "In the future, it is hoped that this can reduce inequality, expand access, and improve the welfare of the people of Papua," Gibran said as quoted by Antara on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Gibran cited several developments that have been carried out outside of Java, including in Papua. These include the construction of the Trans Papua road, hospitals, People's Schools, Fishermen's Villages, and the distribution of free nutritious meals (MBG).
On the other hand, Gibran mentioned that development needs a conducive and peaceful situation to be implemented. He also appreciated the committee of the 2026 National Church Choir Festival for promoting the theme of peace and brotherhood in Papua at this year's event.
The son of former President Joko Widodo also praised the use of Borarsi Field for the church choir festival. Because, during Gibran's previous visit to Papua in November 2025, the facility was still under construction.
Gibran urged the public to take care of the completed facilities. He stated that physical development is also proof that development is now not only concentrated on the island of Java but also carried out in other regions.
Vice President Gibran visited several provinces in the eastern part of Indonesia this week. During his working visit to East Nusa Tenggara, Gorontalo, and Papua on June 18-21, 2026, Gibran brought along five students from various universities.
The students are Daffa Ulhaq from the University of Indonesia, Keletus Sakaro from Sanata Dharma University, Nolan Christopher Adam from Pelita Harapan University, Salsabila Maulida from the Indonesian Institute of the Arts, and Rapid Bena Martin from Jenderal Soedirman University.
Gibran stated that the involvement of these students is part of the effort to strengthen monitoring of the implementation of the free nutritious meal program and the Red and White Village Cooperative in the regions. He said that this step is a follow-up to various aspirations expressed by students regarding the implementation of government priority programs.
The involvement of these students took place amidst the growing wave of student demonstrations criticizing several government programs, such as the free nutritious meal and the Red and White Village Cooperative.
One of the instances was when a student alliance from various campuses held a demonstration at the HI Roundabout in Jakarta on Friday, June 12, 2026. They presented at least five demands to the administration of President Prabowo Subianto, including the cessation of the MBG program and the development of the Red and White Village Cooperative.
Dede Leni Mardianti and Novali Panji Nugroho contributed to the writing of this article.
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