Theressia Silalahi, Jakarta – Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the running mate for presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, promised the traditional leaders in Papua that future development would be more inclusive and not centered around Java.

The mayor of Solo in Central Java visited traditional leaders in Sentani, Papua, on Friday. Despite it being his first visit to Indonesia's easternmost province, Gibran felt the tremendous enthusiasm of the Papuan people.

Gibran was welcomed by the King of Sereh Village in Sentani, Yanto Eluay, and other members of the Prabowo Subianto.

He pledged that development would be carried out evenly across Indonesia, with a particular focus on the land of Papua. Additionally, Gibran promised to return to the Land of Cendrawasih.

"Development will no longer be Java-centric. It's crucial and I promise to return (to Papua)... for the indigenous people of Papua, the development will be Indonesia-centric," Gibran said at the Pendopo Ondofolo Sentani, Jayapura, on Friday.

On Friday morning, Gibran, accompanied by his wife Selvi Ananda and Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, made an unexpected visit to Pharaa Sentani Market in Papua. It was Gibran's first campaign in the region, and local traders expressed their enthusiastic support by chanting, "Gibran for a one-round victory!".

During the market tour, the eldest son of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo interacted with vendors, buying vegetables, sago, betel nuts, and matoa. He also distributed books to children and purchased an authentic Papua-style bag.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/vp-candidate-gibran-vows-inclusive-development-in-papu