Challenges of Accessibility and Quality of Public Services in the Papuan Mountains

Abstract

This study examines the challenges of accessibility and quality of public services in the Papuan Mountains, with particular focus on regions within Highlands Papua Province. Despite Indonesia’s decentralization reforms and special autonomy policies, significant disparities in service delivery persist in mountainous Papua compared to more developed provinces. Using a qualitative research design, this study analyzes structural, institutional, and socio-cultural factors that shape public service outcomes in sectors such as education, healthcare, and civil administration. The findings indicate that extreme geographical conditions, including rugged terrain and limited transportation networks, substantially restrict physical access to essential services. Infrastructure gaps increase logistical costs and reduce service continuity, especially in remote villages. In addition, limited human resource capacity characterized by shortages of qualified teachers, medical personnel, and administrative staff undermines service quality and institutional stability. High turnover rates and challenging living conditions further weaken professional performance. Institutional and governance challenges, including coordination gaps, fiscal management constraints, and weak accountability systems, also limit the effectiveness of public service implementation despite significant fiscal transfers under special autonomy arrangements. The study concludes that accessibility and quality issues in mountainous Papua are multidimensional and interdependent. Addressing these challenges requires integrated strategies that combine infrastructure development, human resource strengthening, institutional reform, and context sensitive governance approaches to ensure equitable and sustainable public service delivery.