Sorong – Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka paid a working visit to Sorong City, Southwest Papua Province, on Tuesday afternoon, April 21, 2026. Vice President Gibran’s first working visit to Sorong City coincided with the 2026 Kartini Day commemoration.
Upon arrival at Sorong’s DEO Airport, Vice President Gibran was greeted enthusiastically and warmly by members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) and the community.
Vice President Gibran’s first item on the agenda in Sorong was to visit and purchase basic food supplies at the SAGA Supermarket & Department Store located on Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani, Sorong City.
On this occasion, Vice President Gibran invited 100 Papuan mothers to shop together. Each of them received a shopping voucher worth IDR 500,000 to cover daily needs, from basic necessities to children’s needs.
This is a form of attention and closeness to women who continue to struggle to support their families. This activity also reflects the government’s commitment under President Prabowo Subianto to honoring the role of women, in line with the spirit of Kartini Day.
From the Vice President’s arrival, a warm atmosphere was immediately felt. Papuan mothers enthusiastically greeted him and even had the opportunity to interact directly while shopping.
This momentum was made even more meaningful because it coincided with Kartini Day, which is synonymous with the spirit of Indonesian women’s struggle.
The Head of the Social Affairs, Women’s Empowerment, and Child Protection Office of Southwest Papua Province, Anie Nauw, stated that this activity was not merely a ceremonial event, but a manifestation of community concern.
Anie explained that her office had specifically prepared 100 widowed mothers to meet directly with the Vice President.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for us. On Kartini Day, Papuan mothers can meet directly with the Vice President and experience real attention through simple activities like shopping together,” Anie said.
She also emphasized the importance of continued support for women, especially in Papua.
According to her, the role of women needs to be continuously strengthened so they can contribute to various development sectors.
“We hope that in the future there will be no more inequality. Papuan women must continue to be encouraged to be empowered, creative, and have an impact,” she added.
One beneficiary, Joice Merauga (46), said she was greatly helped by the vouchers. As a widow who supports her family through small-scale sales, this assistance is a breath of fresh air for her daily needs.
“This really helps us. I can buy the children’s necessities, like diapers, sugar, eggs, and more. Thank you, Mr. Gibran,” said Joice.
She also expressed her hope that this kind of attention will continue. “May you always be blessed with your family,” she said briefly.
Although simple, this activity provides immediate benefits. Amidst various limitations, Papuan mothers, especially widows, feel the presence and real attention from the government.
