Who still often sees the seascape of West Papua? Or have you ever visited directly the charm of the sea in the province? But did you know that all of these have great potential to improve the local economy there?
Indonesia is an archipelagic country with an elongated group of large and small islands. And to the east of Indonesia, there is the island of Papua, an island that is very beautiful and spoils the eyes of everyone who sees it as well as the people who live on the island.
However, it is not only the view that is the selling point. Papua Island, which consists of several regional divisions, must now utilize marine resources to achieve more stable prosperity and growth. Don’t just rely on mining activities.
Activities at sea are related to shipping, fishing, aquaculture, and oil and gas mining. Some people have started to market marine tourism and have succeeded in opening up new job opportunities to raise the economy and form good future generations.
Marine Economic Activities in West Papua
The people that live in Papua have a long history of going down to the marine. This can happen because broadly, this island has a vast marine area and has great hopes to contribute to significant economic development in a short time.
They will carry out activities such as maritime trade, international trade, become a transit point for ships from Australia who want to go to the Philippines, to conduct neighboring trade with the people of Papua New Guinea. All focused on the economy.
The economic success of this region has brought the locals to a broader solution in the future and become a new destination for investment. At the forefront of the investment, Papua has attracted the attention of countries such as Australia or even the United States.
The results we can see are, it has boosted the growth, cooperation that is more often carried out to maritime activities such as the use of marine resources which are widely exported. Besides being consumed by themselves, local people can add to the economy.
Sustainable Marine Economy is Key to West Papuan Prosperity
But somehow, the public must always remember that it’s critical for everyone who lives here to contribute to achieving sustainable marine and resilient coastal livelihoods. If the national economy from the marine sector develops, it must protect the environment.
Indonesia fishery has contributed around 27 billion USD and helped create jobs for 7 million people. But it’s not enough just like that. This growth potential must be assisted by the faster-moving West Papuan government.
Many sectors can be utilized, considering that there are no side effects if the government of Indonesia works towards a blue economy strategy with other countries. This will actually make the governance of marine and marine ecosystems much better.
In the private sector, this collaboration may contribute to a management system for sustainable development. And from there, local communities will be more involved so that they can save the local economy while providing long-term relationships.
Maritime Wealth is owned by the province of West Papua
Of all the potential, we see several sectors that are a priority for the people there and the government. This does not mean that other marine sectors are ignored, in the aftermath, not all sectors are suitable investments for the economy.
For this area, to strengthen their economy and increase the total wealth of the marine sector, they use a fully-strategy pattern to achieve inter-sectoral coordination. Thus, some of these potential sectors include:
- Island
It may sound strange, but the small island owned by West Papua is a very superior asset. Apart from being rarely inhabited, the approach can be a very attractive investment value that will provoke other countries.
- Abundant Marine Life
The beauty of the sea alone is beautiful, especially under the sea. True, as many as hundreds of types of coral reefs are in the seas of this province with millions of fish species. The abundance of marine life should be an asset.
- Beautiful Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are also often the reason tourists come to West Papua. See the colorful seabed with beautiful patterns and shapes. We also believe that many consider this area’s coral reefs to be one of the most beautiful.
- National Park For Tourism
The government is also now starting to take action to build a national park to protect protected animals and flora. This conservation aims to prevent extinction. But if you want to add to the economy, maybe it can be used as a tourist spot.
- Oil and Gas
In addition to gold, mining that is commonly carried out in west side of Papua is oil and gas. They will do mining in the middle of the sea and usually still need intervention of other countries. But this is enough to create jobs for local people.
It is necessary to sharpen the potential possessed by almost all regions in Indonesia. To the east of this country, there is a large island whose potential could even make it the richest province. West Papua still has great potential in the marine sector.
