Indonesia's development now 'Indonesia-centric,' not 'Java-centric,' says VP Gibran

Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming declared that the nation's development focus has shifted from being Java-centric to Indonesia-centric. Speaking at the 2026 National Church Choir Festival in Manokwari, West Papua, he emphasized that development is now spread across the archipelago, aiming to reduce inequality and improve welfare, particularly in Papua.

Rakabuming pointed to tangible projects outside Java as evidence of this shift. These include the ongoing construction of the Trans Papua road, the development of hospitals, People's Schools, and Fishermen's Villages, alongside the distribution of free nutritious meals. He stressed that such progress requires a peaceful and conducive environment, praising the festival's theme of peace and brotherhood in Papua.

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In the future, it is hoped that this can reduce inequality, expand access, and improve the welfare of the people of Papua.

The Vice President also highlighted the involvement of five university students in monitoring the implementation of the free nutritious meal program and the Red and White Village Cooperative during his working visit to East Nusa Tenggara, Gorontalo, and Papua. This initiative comes amid growing student demonstrations criticizing these very programs, with some demanding their cessation.

Rakabuming urged the public to care for the completed facilities, viewing them as proof of development reaching beyond Java. He noted the significant progress at Borarsi Field, which was still under construction during his previous visit in November 2025, now serving as a venue for the choir festival.

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physical development is also proof that development is now not only concentrated on the island of Java but also carried out in other regions.