Yapen, Papua – On Wednesday, July 3, 2025, thousands of residents in Yapen Islands Regency gave a warm welcome to Papua gubernatorial candidate Matius Fakhiri during his political visit. The event served as a platform for Fakhiri to listen directly to public concerns, marking a shift toward grassroots engagement in Papuan politics.
Currently serving as Papua’s police chief, Fakhiri held an open forum in Serui where citizens expressed pressing issues such as limited access to education, inadequate healthcare services, and uneven infrastructure development. Many voiced hope that Fakhiri, if elected, would bring meaningful change, especially to coastal areas like Yapen.
A local customary leader said, “We appreciate that Mr. Fakhiri is willing to come down and hear our voices. Many leaders only show up during campaigns and then disappear.”
Fakhiri emphasized that the public’s input would not be reduced to campaign rhetoric. “I won’t create programs based on assumptions. I want to design Papua’s future based on real conditions and the voices of its people,” he told the crowd.
The event illustrated a participatory approach to leadership, where dialogue and inclusion are at the heart of policy development. Alongside community members, local leaders, youth groups, and volunteers also attended the gathering, calling for clean and culturally sensitive leadership.
The atmosphere was festive yet sincere, with traditional dances and songs adding color to the event. The community actively shared ideas and criticism, reflecting a vibrant democratic spirit.
This visit is part of Fakhiri’s broader political tour across Papua, where he aims to collect grassroots aspirations and use them as a working document to shape a just, healthy, and educated Papua.
