Investment in West Papua is one of the main goals that the West Papuan regional government and the Indonesian central government have for this region. Sustainable investment is necessary to develop the abundant potential of West Papua in the long run.
West Papua’s Economic Potentials
West Papua is one of the provinces in Indonesia that have the richest natural resources. Agriculture, fishing, cattle, plantations, natural physical conditions, mining, and forestry are some of this region’s profound potentials.
In acknowledgment of this potential, Indonesia’s central government has vowed to work with West Papua’s regional administration to improve the province’s socio-economic position. One of the ways to groom such a vast potential is by allowing investment from both Indonesia and beyond into West Papua.
Sustainable Investment in West Papua
Up to now, West Papua remains one of Indonesia’s last frontiers untouched by humanity. The natural resources of this region are plentiful and remain largely undisturbed. It’s crucial to protect such a rich natural heritage for generations to come. Thus, investment and economic development in West Papua must keep sustainability in mind.
Ecotourism
There have been many efforts for sustainable investment in West Papua. One example is in the field of ecotourism. West Papua has many tourism villages where tourists can live among the local indigenous people and learn their way of life. This ecotourism scheme ensures that the revenue mainly goes into improving the quality of life of the locals. Furthermore, there is less damage to the environment that the indigenous people have protected for many years.
The Arborek tourism village has emerged as a pioneer in ecotourism. Located in Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua, Indonesia, this village has started developing local regulations on community-based marine conservation. With the help of the central and local governments, research centers, and non-governmental organizations, local communities have succeeded in formulating local regulations.
Along the Arborek pier, divers can jump straight into the water and instantly find a wealth of underwater diversity below the surface. Tourists can also learn from the Arborek people who are skillful craftsmen famous for their amazing hats and string bags woven from sea pandan leaves.
Green Economic Growth Programme
The provincial government is opening its doors to welcome investment development from Indonesia and other countries into the commodity of West Papua. The targeted sectors are mainly forest resource management, agriculture, plantations, livestock, and tourism.
On the other hand, the government is embracing a low-carbon development path. They have committed to an economic model that delivers sustainable growth. Promotes environmental sustainability. And enhances the well-being of indigenous Papuans. For this reason, green development and investment projects should be the top priority.
For this reason, the Green Economic Growth Programme for Papua Provinces is conducted for the sustainable growth of the West Papua economy. It is a joint initiative between the Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Villages. Development of Disadvantaged Areas, and Transmigration, and the United Kingdom Climate Change Unit.
This program aims to ensure that the provincial governments of Papua and West Papua guarantee sustainable and eco-friendly economic development. The long-term goal is to attract investment into green businesses through a series of capacity-building and mentoring activities. Furthermore, the initiative also envisions increasing access to financing for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in rural and urban areas.
The Green Economic Growth Programme supports various Papuan agribusiness smallholders as well as MSMEs. These businesses will be the foundation for a more comprehensive green investment strategy for the two provinces of Papua. Hopefully, the success of green smallholders and MSMEs in Papua and West Papua would inspire greater green investment in West Papua.
