Jakarta, April 17, 2025 — A new wave of hope for equitable development in eastern Indonesia has emerged. President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, officially inaugurated John Tabo and Ones Pahabol as Governor and Deputy Governor of Papua Pegunungan in a formal ceremony held at the State Palace on Thursday (17/4). The inauguration marks the beginning of a definitive leadership era in one of Indonesia’s newly formed provinces.
Papua Pegunungan is among three new provinces established as part of a broader initiative to accelerate development and improve public services in Papua. With Tabo and Pahabol assuming office for the 2025–2030 term, the central government aims to bring governance closer to the people, allowing for more responsive and regionally tailored administration.
In his address, President Prabowo emphasized the importance of strengthening food security, creating employment opportunities, and developing equitable infrastructure across remote regions. “Papua Pegunungan holds vast potential. We want development to be just and inclusive so that no citizen is left behind,” he stated.
John Tabo is a well-known figure in the central highlands of Papua, having previously served as Regent of Jayawijaya. He is recognized for his deep understanding of the region’s unique geographical and cultural dynamics. Meanwhile, Ones Pahabol is seen as a representative of Papua’s younger generation, bringing fresh energy and perspective to local leadership. Their partnership is expected to bridge development efforts with grassroots community empowerment.
This inauguration is more than just an administrative milestone — it symbolizes a new hope: that local governance can serve as a catalyst for dialogue, sustainable development, and social reconciliation in a land long marked by inequality and conflict.
Now, the challenge lies with the newly sworn-in leaders — how they translate national development goals into local realities in Papua Pegunungan will be closely watched in the coming years.
