JAYAPURA – The Papua Provincial Government emphasized the importance of strengthening unity, collaboration, and synergy among all elements of society in advancing regional development. The message was delivered by Papua Governor Mathius D. Fakhiri during the State Reception commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, held at the State Building in Dok V, Jayapura, on Monday (August 17, 2026) evening.

The state reception was attended by Papua Deputy Governor Aryoko Alberto Ferdinand Rumaropen, along with members of the Papua Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, leaders of the Papua Provincial Legislative Council, senior Indonesian National Armed Forces and Police, community leaders, Flag-Raising Troop members, and other guests.

The Governor of Papua said the Independence Day commemoration serves as an important momentum to reaffirm the collective commitment to building a Papua that is safe, peaceful, progressive, and prosperous.

According to Fakhiri, Indonesia’s independence was achieved through a long struggle built on unity and sacrifice by all elements of the nation. Therefore, this spirit must continue to be translated into development efforts that deliver tangible benefits to the people.

“The independence of the Republic of Indonesia is a long journey built through struggle, unity, sacrifice, and the spirit of all elements of the nation. From Papua Province, we once again reaffirm our commitment that independence must have a real meaning for the welfare, peace, and progress of all people, particularly the people of Papua,” Fakhiri said.

Fakhiri emphasized that Papua’s development cannot be carried out by the government alone. Collaboration among the regional government, Indonesian National Armed Forces and the Indonesian National Police, the business community, community leaders, youth, and all components of society is considered essential to addressing various development challenges.

He called on all parties to set aside differences and strengthen unity in pursuit of the region’s development goals.

“In line with the vision of a smart, prosperous, and harmonious Papua transformation, let us continue to strengthen unity, work together, and build collaboration with all parties to realize a Papua that is increasingly progressive, peaceful, and prosperous,” he said.

The message also reaffirmed the Papua Provincial Government’s direction to pursue regional development through a collaborative approach involving various stakeholders.

Fakhiri also stressed that the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia should not be merely a ceremonial occasion. According to him, the spirit of independence must be manifested through concrete actions that directly impact people’s lives.

The welfare, peace, and progress of the people of Papua are important parts of the meaning of independence that must continue to be pursued.

The state reception then continued in an atmosphere of togetherness. Fakhiri invited all guests to raise their glasses in gratitude and in prayer for the future of Indonesia and the Land of Papua.

“Let us raise a toast to an increasingly progressive Indonesia, to an increasingly brighter Papua, and to the unity, peace, and prosperity of the entire Indonesian nation. To Indonesia, cheers! To Papua, cheers! Happy 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia! Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!” he exclaimed.

The State Reception served as a moment to strengthen ties among institutions while reaffirming the shared commitment to maintaining unity and peace in the Land of Papua.

The Papua Provincial Government hopes that the spirit of togetherness fostered during the 81st anniversary commemoration can continue to be translated into concrete actions and collaboration to accelerate development and improve the welfare of the people of Papua. ***