How is West Papua in terms of economy and tourism? As we all know, this province has an international level for its tourism potential, which has been undeveloped. So far, one that has been globally popular is Raja Ampat. As one of the famous snorkeling and diving spots on earth, you get to enjoy the beauty of nature.
“In line with the direction of the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy or Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, Sandiaga Uno, it is necessary to implement innovation. This also requires the adaptation and collaboration in tourism development as swiftly, by teamwork, and by exploring all potential jobs,” said Wawan Gunawan, the Director of the Destination Development II from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy at the Meeting of the Technical Coordination (Rapat Koordinasi Teknis or RAKORNIS) for the Culture and Tourism Sector’s development in West Papua.
According to Wawan Gunawan, many things still require encouragement in developing tourism and a creative economy in this region. Some things here include solidifying villages’ focus and thematic areas for tourist attractions, destinations for natural-cultural-and-artificial purposes, ecotourism areas, geoparks, and regional destinations. Geoparks, in this case, include geoparks in terms of conservation and non-conservation.
“Then the Provincial Government of West Papua may implement Central and Regional Synergy based on Innovation, Adaptation, and Collaboration. This is for the creation of Quality, Integrated and Sustainable Destinations for this region. Through the synergy in development, the Allocation Fund Program for Physical and Special Fields and other aids and support accelerate the destinations’ development here,” Wawan Gunawan added.
Wawan Gunawan also worked with a strategy to strengthen the synergy and integration among the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economic deputies among stakeholders and regions. He also encourages implementing sustainable and consistent national and international events, supported by massive digital marketing.
“With the implementation of the synergy in West Papua with the sufficient amount of budget, target, benefits, and punctuality, it can help realize the dreams of having this region with its destination with Quality, Integrated, and Sustainable senses,” Wawan Gunawan said again. “It all requires hard, smart, thorough, and true work.”
Alongside Area IV-B’s sub-coordinator, Rudolf Yarangga, and the Tourism and Culture Office’s Head in Fakfak, Ferdinand Fihiwi, Wawan visited plenty of tourist attractions in West Papua right after the meeting.
Some of the tourist destinations visited by Wawan Gunawan are Perwasak, Wartutin Beach, UGAR Karst Islands, UGAR Tourist Village, Masjid Tua Patimburak (the first mosque in the region), Kokas Traditional Market, Kokas Japanese Cave, and also Ubadari River.
How to Boost Tourism and Creative Economy (Especially in West Papua)
When it comes to boosting tourism and the creative economy (especially in West Papua), here are some things that we all can do:
- Recognize the economic benefits of the creative economy, which also generates non-monetary value and its significant contribution to the achievement of inclusive and sustainable societal development.
- Let the culture drive and enable economic, social, and environmental development processes.
- Reveal golden opportunities through mapping the local assets of the creative economy.
- Strengthen the basis of evidence through data collection. This works as a fundamental upstream investment to any coherent development policy for a creative economy in the region.
- Investigate the connections between both sectors (formal and informal) regarding the creative economy.
- Analyze the critical success factors contributing to creating new pathways for developing the local creative economy.
- Invest in the development of sustainable creative enterprise across the value chain.
- Create and open new opportunities for cultural entrepreneurs in business administration and social networking. You can also get them involved in marketing activities. It would help if you also gave them urban cities suitable for developing the societal structure – either social or cultural.
- Engage in international cooperation to facilitate productive mutual learning and sharing terms of information and experience between all parties involved.
- Put local cultures as the main or starring role in local economic and social development programs. Strengthen the branding of the local cultures when there are competitors.
Raja Ampat Is Not The Only Potential for Tourism and Creative Economy
When discussing tourism and the creative economy, Raja Ampat is often mentioned as the leading potential candidate. Who does not know one of the most beautiful snorkeling and diving spots on earth? True fans of those water sports must at least try doing them while in Raja Ampat.
However, Raja Ampat is not the only potential tourism and a creative economy option. You may also check out other places in West Papua, like Pianemo Islands, Wayag Island, Cape Kri, Sapta Rana Pagoda, Sawinggrai Village, Pasir Timbul Beach, and many more.
Hopefully, with the government boosting the economy and tourism in West Papua, this region will survive, thrive, and regain profit after the Covid-19 pandemic.
