Jayapura – Support for the development plan of Depapre District as a fishery center began to strengthen from the grassroots. The ondoafi and the community in the region expressed their readiness to be actively involved in development, as long as the rights of ulayat are still respected.
That commitment emerged in a meeting between the Governor of Papua, Mathius D. Fakhiri, with traditional figures and residents in Waiya Village, Depapre District, Jayapura Regency, on Wednesday (29/4/2026).
In an open dialogue, the community conveyed their aspirations and hopes that the development of the fisheries sector would not ignore the traditional and historical values that have long been attached to the region. The ondoafi as the holders of ulayat rights emphasized the importance of direct community involvement in every stage of development.
In response to that, Governor Fakhiri ensured that the government would not take over the ownership of the community’s land. He emphasized that the development carried out is solely to open economic access and improve the welfare of residents.
“The government does not have the right to the land, we only open it. The land remains the property of the community,” he said.
The government’s dialogical approach received a positive response from the public. This open attitude is considered to be an important foundation in building trust between the government and indigenous people.
The plan to make Depapre as a fishery center is not only seen as a development project, but also as an opportunity for local communities to improve their living standards through the utilization of the abundant marine potential.
In addition to opening jobs, the development of the fisheries sector in Depapre is expected to be able to encourage the economic independence of coastal communities, as well as strengthen Papua’s position as one of the regions with the largest marine potential in Indonesia.
By prioritizing collaboration between the government and indigenous people, the development in Depapre is directed to be inclusive, sustainable, and still respecting local values that become the identity of the local community.
