PapuaAround.com – Nduga Regency, located in Papua Province, is known as one of the isolated regions that has recently garnered public attention due to a video showing President Jokowi’s visit to the area. This visit came in the wake of the tragic killing of 31 PT Istaka Karya workers in the Yigi District. Nduga isn’t just a name on the map; it represents both complex infrastructure challenges and captivating natural beauty.
Nduga is situated on the coast of Papua Province and serves as a connecting route to 11 other regencies spread across the central mountains of Papua. This strategic location makes Nduga crucial in breaking the isolation barrier with other regencies in Papua. With its expansive stretch in the Baliem Valley, surrounded by the renowned Jayawijaya Mountains with their everlasting snow-capped peaks, Nduga offers breathtaking natural scenery.
However, alongside its natural beauty, Nduga faces significant infrastructural challenges. Despite being officially established on January 4, 2008, infrastructural facilities such as roads, bridges, and other amenities remain far from adequate. According to Colonel Infantry Muhammad Aidi, spokesperson for the 17th Cenderawasih Regional Military Command, Nduga’s geographical conditions are incomparable to cities on Java Island, highlighting the significant infrastructural development challenges in this region.
Break the Isolation and Security Challenges In Nduga
Despite its isolation, Nduga has not escaped government attention. President Joko Widodo himself visited the regency late last year. However, challenges extend beyond infrastructure to security concerns. Nduga is known as a “red zone” due to frequent security disturbances by armed groups in Papua.
For instance, the case of the murder of 13 workers on the Trans Papua road project in the Yigi District underscores the complexity of the security situation in this area. The Yigi District, bordering directly with the Mbua District, serves as a commonly traversed route by armed groups in Papua. Therefore, despite its captivating natural beauty, Nduga Regency continues to face real challenges in development efforts and maintaining security.
The government continues its efforts to improve infrastructure and security in Nduga Regency. During President Jokowi’s recent visit, plans for constructing a through road to Wamena and opening the large Mumugu port were strategic steps to address isolation and enhance connectivity with other regions.
Meanwhile, the hopes of Nduga’s residents lie in the government’s efforts to provide protection and improve basic infrastructure conditions. Sustainable development is expected to lead the regency towards better economic and social progress.
Nduga Regency in Papua is not merely a name on the map; it represents both challenges and immense potential. With its captivating natural beauty juxtaposed against infrastructural lag and complex security issues, Nduga offers valuable lessons for the government and communities to collaborate in overcoming these challenges and unlocking the region’s potential for development.
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Source: Liputan6.