Public Perceptions of Socio-Cultural and Environmental Aspects of Trans Papua Development - Indonesia

Abstract

The development of infrastructure for public and social facilities, such as road infrastructure, has an effect on improving people's welfare, so that inequality in development between regions is an important concern and priority for infrastructure development in Papua. Public perceptions and participation in the physical realization of infrastructure development need to be input and consideration in the planning, implementation and supervision of the Trans Papua road construction. The existence of the construction of the Trans Papua road has not been fully welcomed with support, drawing a lot of criticism from various circles of society. The lack of citizen involvement and the unknown perception of the public in planning and implementing the construction of the Trans Papua road are suspected of causing resistance and conflict. This research was conducted to find clarity of local society wisdom that can be used as the basis for developing a participatory development approach. The research question is how the public's perception of the construction of the Trans Papua road is viewed from the socio-cultural and environmental aspects. It is found that there are differences in perceptions and understanding between local societies and stakeholders in the construction of the Trans Papua road, requiring public involvement in planning and implementing development activities. This is an effort to minimize conflicts between the public and the government, especially those related to protected forest conservation, public empowerment issues, as well as technical issues in road construction