You might be wondering about the West Papua business and its current development. West Papua, formerly known as West Irian Jaya, is a province that is located in the west end of Papua Island. The areas of this province include Bomberai, Raja Ampat, Sorong, Manokwari, and many more areas.
Although the economy in West Papua is not in its best shape, this region has experienced quite an improvement over the last several years. Unfortunately, the growth of this province is still very limited, especially because of the many problems you will find in this area.
To understand the economy and business in West Papua, you need to know the history and development of business in this region. And luckily for you, we are going to tell you all you need to know about those two things.
The History of West Papua
Before you learn more about the West Papua economy and business. You need to know about the history of this region. That way, you will be able to understand where West Papua came from and how it became the West Papua that you know today.
West Papua itself is one of the many provinces in Indonesia. It was once colonized by the Dutch when the region was still known as West New Guinea, approximately around the mid-1800s. While the rest of Indonesia had gained independence from the Netherland, West Papua was still under Dutch control.
The Dutch then started to let West Papua go during the post-World War II era, which was an era of decolonization. Only then did the Dutch started to prepare West Papua for independence, allowing the locals to be administrators. However, Indonesia claimed that West Papua was theirs since the area was a Dutch colony.
In 1962, Indonesia and the Dutch then signed the New York Agreement that ended their dispute. The agreement stated that Indonesia plays a role as the caretaker to help West Papua determine itself and achieve independence.
West Papua business for the locals did not thrive ever since. Thanks to the marginalization of Papua residents in their land. As a result, Papuans became second-class citizens in their land, where their land is exploited for its natural resources.
Because Papuans felt like they were exploited, there was rising community support for the Papua independence movement. However, over the years, the Indonesian government tried to increase the economic growth of West Papua by encouraging West Papuans to improve their business.
The Development of Local Businesses
A lot of non-profit organizations contribute to the development of local businesses in West Papua. These non-governmental businesses usually provide grants for residents who are interested in starting their businesses. That way, the business diversity in West Papua will improve.
Other than providing grants to open new businesses. A lot of programs have also been implemented for the residents in West Papua. Training programs to improve certain skills will help the locals when it comes to obtaining new skills that they can use to work.
Other than training people for new skills, a lot of West Papua residents are also educated about new knowledge that can help improve the business in the region. This new knowledge includes business management, marketing, and feasibility, and establishing loans and savings.
On top of that, a lot of non-governmental organizations also help local West Papuans to link with wholesalers and retailers. That way, the locals can directly contact vendors and open new business opportunities for themselves. Because of this, a lot of West Papuans can improve their standards of living, leading to better prosperity.
Although West Papua is still far from economic independence. The improvements that have been made are worth applauding for. And that is what you need to know about the history and development of the West Papua business.
