Bandung, West Java – Papua Governor Matius D. Fakhiri is exploring a potential partnership with the national textile manufacturer Gajah Group as part of a strategic effort to empower and strengthen Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Papua.
The initiative was discussed during a working visit on 15 November 2025, where Governor Fakhiri, accompanied by the Chair of the Papua Family Welfare Movement (TP PKK), Eva Fakhiri, and several provincial officials, observed Gajah Group’s textile production process firsthand. During the visit, the Governor emphasized the importance of collaboration that can enhance the quality of local products and expand market opportunities for Papua’s MSME sector.
One key area of cooperation being proposed is the development of Papuan-themed batik motifs and designs. Governor Fakhiri expressed his hope that TP PKK Papua and its MSME partners can work together with Gajah Group to create batik patterns that represent Papua’s cultural heritage. The provincial government also conveyed its readiness to purchase the produced fabrics and garments as a form of support and to provide market assurance for local MSMEs.
In addition to product development, the Governor highlighted the need to strengthen human resource capacity. He plans to send talented Papuans—particularly those skilled in drawing and design—to undergo training directly at Gajah Group’s facilities in Bandung. This initiative aims to cultivate local designers who can contribute to independent textile production in Papua.
Governor Fakhiri also voiced his hope that Gajah Group would consider expanding its operations to Papua, including the possibility of establishing fabric printing facilities in Jayapura.
Such expansion would streamline distribution, reduce production gaps, and bring manufacturing closer to the MSMEs being fostered in the region.
Gajah Group Director Dedy Zein responded positively to the proposal, noting Papua’s significant potential in the creative industry, particularly through its distinctive ethnic-inspired motifs. He expressed the company’s openness to pursuing deeper cooperation with the Papua Provincial Government.
According to Governor Fakhiri, this exploratory partnership represents a broader effort to strengthen Papua’s creative economy and foster MSME independence through collaboration with an experienced national textile industry player.
