Jayapura — The Papua Provincial Government emphasized that the creative economy has become one of the main pillars supporting the region’s new economic direction. The statement was delivered by Acting Regional Secretary of Papua, Christian Sohilait, during a regional development evaluation meeting held in Jayapura on Monday.
Sohilait explained that the government sees the need to shift Papua’s economic structure, which has long relied on the mining sector. According to him, Papua possesses tremendous natural beauty, cultural wealth, and community creativity that can serve as the backbone for a sustainable non-extractive economy.
“We want to ensure that Papua’s economic growth is not solely dependent on natural resources. The creative economy provides space for our people to create, innovate, and benefit directly from the cultural and natural assets we have,” Sohilait said.
He outlined several strategic steps to strengthen the creative economy, including developing well-managed tourism destinations, enhancing the capacity of local tourism awareness groups, and preparing a supportive business ecosystem for creative industry players. The government also stressed the importance of maintaining regional security as a prerequisite for tourism growth and investor interest.
“When security is maintained, investment follows, and tourists feel more comfortable visiting. That is where economic opportunities emerge, and people can feel the impact directly,” he added.
In addition to strengthening the creative economy and tourism sector, the Papua Provincial Government is also focusing on developing agriculture, fisheries, and the blue economy as part of a broader economic diversification strategy.
These efforts are expected to encourage more equitable growth across regions, including rural and coastal communities that hold great potential but remain underutilized.
With these measures, the government aims to build a more inclusive, sustainable economic landscape that can address future development challenges and reduce dependence on a single dominant sector.
