Strengthening Downstream Processing of Papua’s Leading Commodities Boosts the Regional Economy
JAKARTA – Downstreaming efforts in Papua are entering an increasingly concrete phase. Various strategic initiatives are being rolled out in an integrated manner, starting with superior commodities, through synergy between the central and regional governments and the involvement of international investors. This approach is no longer limited to strengthening production but is also directed at increasing added value and expanding access to global markets.
Billy Mambrasar, a member of the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Development of Special Autonomy in Papua, and the Ministry of Home Affairs facilitated a meeting between 21 European investors and representatives from three cocoa-producing regencies: Yapen Islands, Jayapura, and South Manokwari. The forum discussed upstream and downstream cocoa industry development and potential exports to international markets.
“Healthy Papua, Smart Papua, and Productive Papua are integral to the special autonomy policy. To achieve a Productive Papua, concrete steps are needed. This meeting brings together business actors and the local government directly to ensure the process of cocoa massification and development can proceed,” said Billy Mambrasar.
From the central government’s perspective, the Director of Regional Planning, Special Autonomy, and DPOD at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Sumule Tumbo, emphasized the commitment to strengthening Papua’s productive economy within the framework of special autonomy.
“The central government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, is committed to supporting coordination and synergy across regional governments and strengthening the role of Papua’s special autonomy through the productive economic sector. Cocoa is a strategic commodity with high added value,” Sumule Tumbo emphasized.
Optimism was also expressed by the Deputy Regent of Yapen Islands, Roi Palunga, who views cocoa as a historic commodity as well as the future of the regional economy.
“Cocoa has been present in the Yapen Islands since the Dutch colonial era. However, there has been no sustainable development program since 2009. Currently, there are around 2,065 cocoa farmers in Yapen. If this sector is redeveloped, farmers will have guaranteed prosperity,” said Roi Palunga.
In addition to cocoa, the Papua Provincial Government is also promoting the downstreaming of sago as a driver of the people’s economy. The Acting Head of the Papua Provincial Manpower, Cooperatives, and SMEs Office, Jimmy AY Thesia, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach from upstream to downstream.
“Their products already have a market, but we can’t just look at the market. We have to look at the entire process from upstream to downstream, from raw material availability and production processes to business processes and business incubators,” said Jimmy AY Thesia.
“We don’t need to plant anymore. Just cut down one tree, and about 12 sago shoots will grow on their own. This means we have both the product and the habitat already available,” added Jimmy AY Thesia.
This series of steps demonstrates that Papua’s downstreaming is moving within a unified policy stream. By strengthening added value, ensuring market certainty, and supporting cross-sectors, Papua’s leading commodities are projected to become pillars of the regional economy, capable of global competitiveness and directly impacting community well-being.
