Is Indonesia’s Gibran being ‘exiled’ to Papua? New assignment sparks whispers

Last Updated on July 18, 2025 10:39 pm

By Resty Woro Yuniar

President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to assign Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka responsibility for Papua has fuelled speculation that he is being politically sidelined under the guise of a development mission to Indonesia’s most restive region.

Gibran will have his hands full in trying to bring about lasting peace in Papua, as he has to build trust with tribal communities, including separatist factions, while obeying directives from the capital, according to analysts.

Resource-rich but underdeveloped, Papua remains Indonesia’s poorest region despite hosting major investments, including the Grasberg mine – one of the world’s largest gold and copper operations, run by PT Freeport Indonesia. Six Papuan provinces ranked among the nation’s 10 poorest last year, with inequality and a lack of infrastructure persisting in its mountainous interior.

Source : SCMP