The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reported that the economy of West Papua Province grew 2.80 percent in the third quarter of 2021 compared to the second quarter of 2021.
In the same period, West Papua’s GRDP reached IDR 21.1 billion. Several economic sectors that support economic growth include the manufacturing industry, the financial industry, insurance, and government spending.
BPS estimates that West Papua’s economy can grow higher. The condition is that the local government and the people of West Papua can explore the tremendous economic potential in this region.
Several economic sectors as the mainstay of West Papua Province are natural resources and tourism. These two economic sectors can become the backbone of the regional income of this province.
Enormous Natural Resources
West Papua has enormous economic potential from plantations, fisheries, mining, and forest products.
West Papua is also famous as one of Indonesia’s pearls and seaweed-producing provinces. From Raja Ampat Regency, the trade of these two commodities is a driver of West Papua’s economic growth.
South Sorong is also one of the centres for producing unique traditional fabrics. The conventional cloth, called the Timor Shirt, is now well-known outside Papua.
To take advantage of this tremendous economic opportunity, the local governments must open access to transportation, especially by sea and air. Smooth access to the sea and air transportation is vital for economic development in the region.
In addition to facilitating the flow of goods, increasing transportation access also aims to reduce accessibility gaps and increase regional integration.
The development of economic potential in West Papua requires the cooperation of third parties. Local governments cannot do their financing, so they require investment within and outside the country.
The government must create investment attractiveness. Abundant natural resources and good transportation access are certainly less attractive to investors without guaranteed business certainty and a favourable business climate.
The regional government can cooperate with state-owned enterprises for land, sea, and air transportation services to improve service quality by building or repairing existing ports and airports.
This collaboration can make a real contribution to the economic development and prosperity of the people of West Papua.
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Enchanting Tourism
The economic potential of tourism in West Papua is quite significant. The local government will not only focus on developing Raja Ampat marine tourism in the future. It is already very popular with foreign and domestic tourists.
There are many interesting tourist spots in this province, bringing in sizeable local revenue. Here, the government can invite travel agents to promote the tourism potential in West Papua jointly.
The government can also invite tourists by holding various cultural festivals, art performances, night markets, and culinary tours. West Papua, with its noble culture, West Papua attracts tourists to witness their performance firsthand.
In line with the above efforts, the local government’s efforts to design a master document for the development of tourism potential in some strategic regions as a node for the National Tourism Strategic Area, must have the support of all parties.
West Papua also has the Cendrawasih Bay National Park in Teluk Wondama Regency. This National Park stretches from the east of the Kwatisore Peninsula to the north of Rumberpon Island, with a coastline of 500 km.
West Papua is a paradise for tourists, ranging from natural tourism, historical, cultural, special interest, culinary, sports, shopping, etc. Meanwhile, the tourist destinations start from Raja Ampat, Mansinam Island, the Tapurarang Archeological Site, to Triton Bay.
The key to success in exploring tourism potential in West Papua is good cooperation between all stakeholders, the government, and the wider community.
Many people say that Papua is like a hidden black pearl. It’s time for the government and the community to explore this hidden potential. Also, it’s time to work together to improve the welfare of the people of West Papua.
