Herman Anitu Basik Basik Officially Elected as the First Chairman of APINDO South Papua
Saturday, 28 June 2025
Merauke, June 28, 2025 — The inaugural Provincial Conference (Musprov I) of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (APINDO) South Papua was successfully held at Halogen Hotel, Merauke. In this historic forum—the highest organizational body at the provincial level—Herman Anitu Basik Basik was officially elected and inaugurated as the first Chairman of the South Papua APINDO Regional Leadership Council (DPP). The event marked a significant milestone for the business community in this newly autonomous region, rich in potential yet challenged by geographical and structural complexities.
The conference commenced with a formal inauguration of the APINDO branch leadership (DPK) from the four regencies of Merauke, Boven Digoel, Mappi, and Asmat. This establishment serves as a critical foundation for the organization’s sustainability at the regency level, aligned with APINDO’s broader vision as a strategic partner of the government and a driver of private sector development.
In her opening remarks, Kurniawaty Tandigau, S.E., Chair of the Musprov Organizing Committee, expressed deep appreciation for the full support received from various stakeholders, including the Provincial Government of South Papua, event sponsors, and the local business community. She emphasized that the conference was not merely a leadership selection forum, but a strategic platform to chart the direction of South Papua’s economic development.
Anthony Hilman, Head of the Organization Division at APINDO’s National Board (DPN), stated that South Papua possesses immense economic potential—from fisheries, agriculture, and renewable energy, to ecotourism and cultural tourism. He stressed the urgency of strengthening logistics infrastructure, advancing marine resource downstreaming, and incubating MSMEs based on local wisdom.
“APINDO is not just a business association, but a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable regional economic growth,” he said.
Meanwhile, Merauke Regent Yoseph Bladib Gebze, S.H., LL.M., warmly welcomed the establishment of APINDO South Papua’s leadership and expressed optimism about future collaborations. He highlighted Merauke’s strategic role as a national food production center, underscoring openness to partnerships in sectors such as sugarcane development, blue economy, and green economy initiatives.
“I extend my congratulations to the newly formed APINDO South Papua leadership. We are ready to collaborate, and we hope APINDO’s programs and ideas can align with government efforts and have a tangible impact—especially in supporting over 600 local MSMEs to grow and become self-reliant,” he stated.
Representing the Governor of South Papua, Agus Kurniawan, the Governor’s Special Advisor, also delivered remarks: “On behalf of the Provincial Government of South Papua, we express our sincere appreciation and congratulations on the successful organization of APINDO South Papua’s first Provincial Conference,” he said.
Kurniawan added that the forum not only represents a historical moment for South Papua’s private sector but also reflects the active role of the business community in strengthening the region’s economic development foundation.
“We firmly believe that the presence of the South Papua APINDO leadership will serve as a strategic partner to the government in fostering a healthy investment climate, inclusive business growth, and expanded job opportunities throughout the region,” he affirmed.
The highlight of the Musprov was the official inauguration of Herman Anitu Basik Basik as Chairman of APINDO South Papua by the APINDO National Board. In his inaugural address, Herman pledged to build APINDO into a strong, adaptive, and innovative platform for the business community.
“We are committed to fostering a conducive and collaborative business environment with all stakeholders. Our vision aligns with inclusive, sustainable, and locally driven regional economic development,” he declared.
The Musprov carried the theme: “APINDO Innovates and Builds South Papua Towards Regional Economic Growth,” reflecting regional development priorities and the national spirit of inclusive entrepreneurship. With APINDO now present in South Papua, it is hoped that the business sector can operate more cohesively, structurally, and serve as a frontline force in driving the region’s economic transformation.
The event was attended by key members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), including the Commander of Naval Base XI Merauke, the Commander of J.A. Dimara Air Base, senior officials from various government agencies, heads of chambers and business associations such as SPSI, PHRI, Gapensi, and APINDO branch leaders from Merauke, Boven Digoel, and Asmat. The conference concluded with a joint prayer, the presentation of tokens of appreciation, and the signing of the official minutes of inauguration, marking the beginning of a new chapter for APINDO in the land of Anim Ha.
