JAYAPURA – The Papua Provincial Government has identified the tourism and creative economy sectors as key pillars of the region’s new economic growth. This statement was delivered by Acting Regional Secretary of Papua, Christian Sohilait, during the 2025 Papua Bank Indonesia Annual Meeting (PTBI) in Jayapura on Wednesday (3/12/2025).

Sohilait explained that Papua’s natural and cultural wealth is a strategic asset that must be managed in a planned and structured manner. Strengthening tourist destinations, building the capacity of tourism-awareness groups, and ensuring visitor safety are part of the provincial government’s long-term policy direction.

“These measures are an important part of the government’s strategy to boost the non-mining sector. Papua’s natural beauty, the hospitality of its people, and its rich culture are strong attractions for visitors,” Sohilait said.

 “The strengthening of tourism institutions should also be prioritized so that the economic benefits can be felt by the wider community,” he added.

In addition to tourism, the Papua Provincial Government is prioritizing downstream development in the agriculture and fisheries sectors to enhance the region’s economic value-added. Papua possesses significant natural resources, ranging from fertile agricultural land to vast marine potential.

“These resources must be cultivated through a value-creation approach to deliver direct benefits to the people. Investment in agriculture, fisheries, and the blue economy must continue to be encouraged so that local products remain competitive,” he explained.

“Developing the blue economy can open new job opportunities, strengthen local supply chains, and increase regional revenue,” Sohilait continued.

The provincial government emphasized that diversifying sources of economic growth will remain a key development focus in the coming years, positioning tourism, the creative economy, agriculture, fisheries, and the blue economy as complementary priority sectors. ***