Youth empowerment is highly needed in every region due to its potential to discover countless creative and innovative youths. Thus, they will excel in their respective talents and skills and help increase society’s welfare.
This is what happens in Papua, where the Indonesian government is now prioritizing its development.
Such empowerment was started by the local organization under the sponsorship of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) called PMI (Papua Muda Inspiratif). Their Papua youth empowerment program is promising, so the Papuan community elements gladly welcome them.
A Brief Information on PMI and PYCH About Youth empowerment
PMI has administrators across the 7 local customary territories in Papua in order to facilitate the program implementation. BIN and the Indonesian president, Jokowi, grant young Papuan with Papua Youth Creative Hub building so they can explore their creativity and innovations.
In March 2023, the president inaugurated this building so that this facility can help boost local youth empowerment well. PYCH, which has a 3,500 square meters area, is remarkable due to its facilities, programs, and plans.
Young Papuan will not only be able to explore and excel in their talents and skills but also have the opportunity to implement them as well. The PYCH program is integrated because Papuan youth will not only get the required training but also can work in the available business units. Thus, these young people can increase their income and improve their welfare. Therefore, in the long run, it will become the best Papua youth empowerment and a means to increase the welfare of local society’s welfare.
Potential Youth Empowerment in Papua by PYCH
Understandably, such a program is welcomed by the society due to its huge potential and benefits for its natives. The PYCH program is very diverse due to the many sectors involved in it. Here are some of the sectors developed in PYCH:
1. Agriculture
Among the many fields of farming supported by Papua Youth Creative Hub are the corn and sago plantations. Young Papua offers new methods and machines in sago processing to make the processing and harvest more effective.
While on the corn plantation, their next estimated harvest in May 2023 is incredible because it could reach up to 16.1 tons for Waibu District only.
2. MSME/UMKM
This sector is also amazing because it has gathered approximately 124 MSMEs with more than 1,246 Papuan traditional and modern products. This business unit has also introduced the products to a wider market in order to escalate the selling.
3. Laying Hen Farming
PYCH has many units farming throughout Papua, such as 2 in Jayawijaya, 3 in Jayapura, 4 in Manokwari, and more. According to PMI representative Maria Francisca Tambingan, in 2022, there are about 4,000 laying hens, of which average profits can reach up to IDR 50 million per month.
4. Freshwater Fish Farming
This sector also grows rapidly under PYCH due to the increasing monthly harvest, i.e., 500 Kg up to 1 ton each month. The farming location in Danau Sentani of which method is using floating cages (keramba jaring apung).
5. Food and Beverage
This sector is also promising because PYCH café has received positive responses and support from the local community. The café provides local Papuan coffee and traditional cuisine so people can enjoy its delicacy.
PYCH catering is also a promising sector because it offers training for young Papuan and the opportunity to work in the facility.
Conclusion
Youth empowerment Indonesia in Papua is a good start because it will help develop the region. Such programs initiated by PMI and PYCH are valuable because they can also increase the community’s welfare. Thus, the social elements are happy and welcome the programs due to the potential great outcomes in the future.
The government keeps on facilitating the development in Papua as its commitment to prioritizing this region in order to achieve equitable development, especially in its Youth empowerment.
