JAYAPURA – The Papua Provincial Government is aiming to accelerate the development of an inclusive economy by strengthening the marine and fisheries sector. The focus is on developing local commodities with export potential that directly benefit coastal communities.

Head of the Papua Marine and Fisheries Agency, Iman Djuniawal, stated that five proposed programs have been designed to support this agenda. “These five proposals align with the priority programs of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries,” he said during the 2026 RKPD Development Planning Forum and the Papua Special Autonomy Development Planning Forum in Jayapura on Monday (April 29, 2025).

The five programs include quota-based measurable fishing, export-oriented cultivation of local commodities, coastal and ecosystem monitoring, strengthening fisheries MSMEs, and controlling plastic waste in coastal areas.

Iman mentioned several key regional commodities that are the focus of production, such as crabs in Waropen, barramundi and seaweed in Yapen, tuna and skipjack in Biak Numfor, and catfish in Jayapura and Keerom.

“We are encouraging local production to boost exports. Even if exports are not yet possible, at least local market prices will remain stable,” Iman said.

According to him, this effort also supports Papua’s medium-term development direction, which emphasizes the blue economy concept. “The welfare of coastal communities is a vital part of regional economic growth,” he added. ***