VP pledges greater efforts to address issues in underdeveloped areas

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has pledged to strengthen coordination with regional leaders to address persistent problems in Indonesia’s underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost regions.

“Going forward, I will intensify coordination and communication with governors and district heads. We want to resolve all the problems in underdeveloped areas,” he said in a speech marking the centenary of the Gospel's arrival in Kalumpang during a working visit to West Sulawesi on Monday.

Gibran said he had taken note of requests for improvements to education and healthcare facilities, as well as the construction of paved roads and community health centers. The requests were conveyed by the Executive Committee of the Synod of the Christian Church of West Sulawesi (GKSB) during a meeting with him in Jakarta on October 20.

The church representatives said underdeveloped areas such as Kalumpang faced several challenges, including teacher shortages, damaged roads, and limited internet access.

In response, Gibran said the central government would work with regional administrations to address these issues and improve residents’ quality of life.

“We will also take into account regional development priorities and maintain fiscal sustainability in each region,” he added.

The Vice President also praised the centenary commemoration, saying the event served as both a religious and cultural activity that could help promote the region.

He expressed hope that the event would help preserve Kalumpang’s local culture for future generations.

During his working visit to West Sulawesi on Monday, Gibran also observed activities at State Senior High School No. 1 in Mamasa and inspected the development of Kondosapata Regional General Hospital.

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Translator: Prisca Triferna V, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Primayanti
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