From Java to Papua: Government Pushes Equal Access Through New Hospitals

The Indonesian government plans to build 24 new hospitals across Papua to improve healthcare accessibility and ensure equal medical services across the region’s six provinces, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka said on Tuesday.

The initiative is part of a broader government effort to address infrastructure and social service disparities in eastern Indonesia, a region long challenged by limited healthcare facilities and unequal access to basic services.

During a visit to Manokwari, West Papua, Gibran said the project reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the country’s easternmost region.

“Under our medium-term development plan, the government will construct 24 hospitals in Papua,” Gibran said during a meeting with local government officials.

Each hospital will be equipped with modern medical technology, including mammography, CT scan, and MRI machines, as well as specialist doctors.

The goal is to enable Papuans to receive advanced medical treatment locally, without having to travel to hospitals in Sulawesi or Java.

“This should be our main focus, so that in the future, no Papuan has to leave the region for medical treatment,” he said.

Gibran emphasized that equitable and sustainable development in Papua is crucial to reducing inequalities and delivering tangible benefits to local communities.

He also called for stronger coordination between national and regional governments to ensure that planning and funding align with the people’s needs.

“Development in Papua cannot be achieved overnight — it must be continuous,” Gibran added.

Source : https://jakartaglobe.id/news/jakarta-targets-24-hospitals-across-six-papua-provinces-to-bridge-health-gaps