Waisai, December 23, 2024 – The Speaker of the Papua Barat Daya Regional House of Representatives (DPR), Henry Andrew George Wairara, SE, conducted a recess in Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat Regency. This activity is part of the DPR's efforts to absorb the community’s aspirations directly while ensuring that the needs and issues of the residents can be advocated at the provincial level.

The visit was enthusiastically welcomed by the people of Waisai, who viewed the Speaker’s presence as a symbol of new hope for regional progress. During a warm and engaging dialogue session, residents conveyed various aspirations and hopes reflecting the urgent needs of the community, ranging from basic infrastructure to support for agriculture, livestock, tourism, and fisheries—key sectors in Raja Ampat Regency (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSqwldAX34M). 

One issue that emerged was the lack of facilities and access to seeds, fertilizers, and adequate agricultural equipment. Additionally, the community highlighted the importance of government attention to the needs of livestock farmers, particularly in the provision of grass and livestock feed, which has been a significant challenge in the area. Beyond that, the vast potential of Raja Ampat’s tourism and fisheries sectors also became a central focus of the discussion. Furthermore, the establishment of cooperatives as a platform to oversee and develop existing potential in these sectors was also a major aspiration of the community.

“We place great hope in the Speaker and the provincial government to advocate for our interests. Many farmers and livestock breeders here are facing difficulties due to the lack of facilities and infrastructure. Additionally, we hope that the tourism and fisheries sectors, which are the backbone of Raja Ampat’s economy, will receive greater attention to continue growing and benefiting the broader community,” said a local community leader.

In response, Henry Andrew George Wairara reaffirmed his full commitment to bringing the people's voices into the primary agenda of the Papua Barat Daya DPR. He believes that community involvement in development is key to the success of any program initiated by the regional government.

“I understand how vital the agriculture, livestock, tourism, and fisheries sectors are to the local economy. Therefore, I will fight to ensure that these fundamental community needs become a priority in provincial policies. The aspirations of the Waisai community are a mandate that I will oversee until they are realized,” Henry emphasized in his speech.
Henry also added that the DPR would collaborate with relevant departments to promote more structured assistance programs, including seed and fertilizer distribution, as well as capacity-building for farmers, livestock breeders, tourism operators, and fishermen through regular training and outreach. Henry also supports the formation of cooperatives across various sectors as a concrete step to strengthen the local economy and ensure that existing potential can be sustainably managed.

This recess not only served as a platform to absorb aspirations but also strengthened the community’s trust in the govrnment. The people of Waisai hope that the synergy between the government and the community will become a solid foundation for achieving sustainable development in Papua Barat Daya.