Thelandofpapua.com – Papua is currently undergoing accelerated development, bringing real benefits to its people. Various government initiatives in infrastructure, economy, and social welfare have created significant opportunities for the region’s advancement.

However, amidst these achievements, baseless negative narratives continue to be spread by certain groups to discredit Indonesia, including allegations of chemical weapons use in Papua. The Indonesian government has firmly rejected these claims as hoaxes and propaganda with no factual basis.

Papua’s Development: Tangible Proof of Progress

The government’s commitment to developing Papua is increasingly evident through various completed infrastructure projects that directly benefit the people.

One of the most significant breakthroughs is the construction of the Trans-Papua Road, which has expanded access for communities, facilitated the distribution of goods, and improved mobility in remote areas.

Key Infrastructure Development Facts

Over 3,500 km of the Trans-Papua Road has been completed, enhancing access to various regions.

Papua’s poverty rate has declined from 26.8% (2021) to 23.4% (2024), demonstrating the effectiveness of government programs in improving welfare.

PLN’s electrification program has reached over 90% of villages in Papua, ensuring broader access to electricity.

Beyond infrastructure, the education and healthcare sectors have also seen significant progress. The Affirmative Higher Education Program (ADik) has provided opportunities for thousands of Papuan students to pursue higher education at top universities in Indonesia.

Additionally, modern hospitals and health centers continue to be developed, such as the Pratama Hospital in Pegunungan Bintang and the Jayapura Regional Hospital, to enhance healthcare services for the people of Papua.

Voices of Papua: Real Benefits of Development

The people of Papua are directly experiencing the benefits of inclusive development. Access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities has become easier, creating better conditions for Papuans to thrive.

Community Testimonials

📍 Agus Wamena, a farmer from Jayawijaya: “I used to struggle to sell my crops because of damaged roads, but with the Trans-Papua Road, we can now transport our harvest to the city much faster.”

📍 Mama Lince, a handicraft entrepreneur in Merauke: “I received government assistance and training, and now my products can be sold outside Papua.”

Chemical Weapons Allegations: A Repeated Propaganda Tactic

Despite Papua’s progress, certain groups continue to recycle old narratives about alleged chemical weapons use by Indonesia. They have accused Indonesia of using white phosphorus in Kiwirok, despite the absence of forensic evidence or independent investigations supporting these claims.

The Indonesian government categorically denies these allegations, stating that no chemical weapons have been used in Papua and that these accusations are hoaxes and misleading propaganda.

Official Government Statements

📍 Indonesian Government Spokesperson: “We do not have chemical weapons. This accusation is baseless propaganda continuously used to discredit Indonesia.”

📍 Papua Regional Police Chief: “There has been no chemical weapons attack in Papua. Security forces prioritize a humanitarian approach in maintaining public safety.”

Facts Supporting Indonesia’s Denial

✔ Indonesia has been a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) since 1997, which prohibits the use, production, and storage of chemical weapons.

✔ Independent organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have never found evidence of chemical weapons use by Indonesia in Papua.

Conclusion: Papua on the Path to Progress, Not Conflict

Papua is now integrated into Indonesia’s national development strategy, with ongoing infrastructure projects, improved welfare, and expanded access to education.

The people are experiencing the positive impact of development, creating better opportunities for the current and future generations of Papua.

However, certain groups continue to recycle old, baseless narratives to discredit Indonesia on the international stage. The chemical weapons allegations are a hoax that has been repeatedly debunked and lacks any credible evidence.