Indonesia committed to Melanesia

ABOUT 11 million people of Melanesian descent are living in five provinces in Indonesia which highlights the nation’s commitment to the Melanesia Spearhead Group, an official says.
Indonesia Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Dr Despra Percaya told the MSG Leaders Summit that it was the country’s intention to collaborate more on issues on behalf of its citizens.
“Our contribution to the MSG also amplifies our commitment to build five Melanesian provinces in Indonesia,” Percaya said.
“Indonesia is a democratic nation with 11 million citizens of Melanesian descendants living in East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, North Maluku, Papua and West Papua provinces, hence our strong support for MSG is always real and concrete.”
Percaya highlighted plans to boost vital sectors in the eastern part of the country for the benefit of its citizens and potentially for MSG nations as well. The GDP of the eastern region of Indonesia is expected to be above US$2.5 trillion (K8 trillion) in the next three decades, he said.
“The president of Indonesia has placed a special emphasis on the development of five Melanesian provinces. The special emphasis includes the development of infrastructure, education, health, industry and local economy,” Percaya said.
“We are confident that the development will generate the net effects of creating new jobs, opening up business opportunities and, definitely, increasing welfare and prosperity of our people.
“In fact, the GDP in the eastern part of Indonesia is projected to grow from US$700 billion to US$ 2.6 trillion within the next three decades.
“This is a historic opportunity for Melanesian Indonesians and also for Melanesians in the region.”