Jayapura, Jan. 20 -- Indonesia's National Development Planning Ministry (Bappenas) has convened with the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua to explore viable ways to ensure continuous growth and progress in the region.

"Bappenas has invited us to discuss and consult on plans for national development efforts in Papua," committee chair Velix Wanggai noted in a statement received by ANTARA in Jayapura, Papua Province, on Tuesday.

He described the meeting, held in Jakarta on Monday (Jan. 19), as a strategic forum for the central and local governments to align their policies, programs, budgets, and development plans.

"We and the ministry have concurred on the importance of synchronizing views o...