Indonesia has reaffirmed its dedication to improving healthcare access and quality across Papua by expanding and upgrading medical facilities throughout the province. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that the government will respond to recommendations from Papua Governor Mathius D. Fakhiri, aligning with President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita missions to elevate nationwide health services. During their meeting in Jakarta, Fakhiri outlined several key developments, including the construction of a hospital in Keerom District funded at more than IDR122 billion (around USD7 million) and now half complete. Progress on community health laboratories in Keerom and Jayapura Districts—each supported by IDR15 billion (about USD900 thousand)—is advancing, although currently at 25% and 10%. He also sought accelerated support for strategic projects such as the Rodofabo Hospital in Waropen District requiring IDR200 billion (USD12 million), a new hospital in Mamberamo Raya District with an IDR300 billion (USD18 million) budget, and the establishment of a biosafety level-2 room for the Papua Health Laboratory.
Governor Fakhiri additionally proposed the procurement of essential medical equipment for Jayapura General Hospital, Abepura General Hospital, and the Abepura Psychiatric Hospital, along with upgrading Abepura Public Hospital into a referral center specializing in maternal and child health as well as lung infection treatment. Despite delays in several projects, he expressed appreciation for the central government’s successful completion of the Jayapura Central General Hospital and the Supiori Hospital, developed with budgets of IDR633 billion (USD38 million) and IDR53 billion respectively. These achievements underscore steady progress and fuel optimism for continued improvements in Papua’s healthcare system.
