Media

Nabire, June 30, 2025 — The Provincial Leadership Council of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (DPP APINDO) for Central Papua is now officially established and led by Fransiskus Pekei, following the successful and spirited inauguration of the first Provincial Conference (Musprov I), held at the RRI Hall in Nabire. This marks a foundational step in strengthening regional entrepreneurship within the national economic system and signifies the rise of local business actors in Central Papua.

The event was attended by prominent figures including Central Papua Governor Dr. Meki Fritz Nawipa, Central Papua KONI Chair Capt. Yosua Tipagau, regional leadership (Forkopimda), heads of government agencies, and representatives from business organizations such as KADIN, SPSI, PHRI, GAPENSI, and other local industry associations.

In his keynote address, the Governor emphasized that Central Papua contributes Rp80 trillion in revenue to the national economy. However, he also highlighted critical challenges, including rampant illegal mining and unauthorized visitation practices, which pose serious threats to the region’s economic ecosystem and environment.

“Entrepreneurs are a generational constant,” the Governor stressed. “Central Papua must have a strong business organization that can collaborate closely with KADIN and other business institutions. APINDO is not just any organization—this is the moment for Central Papua’s entrepreneurs to rise. We must shed the beggar mentality and stand equal as rightful owners of this land. We have the same right to succeed,” he declared passionately.

Anthony Hilman, Head of Organizational Affairs at APINDO’s National Board (DPN), underscored the vital role of APINDO Central Papua as a potential “game-changer” in regional economic development. He emphasized the province’s extraordinary potential—from natural resources such as forest coconut fiber, rattan, marine products, sago, and forest cocoa, to world-class ecotourism destinations like Lake Paniai, Lake Tigi, Cenderawasih Bay, Crystal Waterfalls, and the highland savannah trails of Dogiyai.

“However, these potentials will remain dormant without a strategically managed ecosystem,” he noted. Anthony encouraged Central Papua to move beyond the exploitation of raw commodities and focus on downstream processing and value creation, producing semi-finished and finished goods with high added value.

He also presented economic data that signals progress: according to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the open unemployment rate (TPT) in Central Papua decreased to 4.8% as of August 2024, though still slightly above the national average. The private sector absorbed 15,200 local workers, an 8% increase year-over-year. The number of MSMEs also grew by 12% in 2024, and the regional economy expanded by 5.2%, driven by services, agriculture, and construction. Despite these gains, logistical and infrastructure distribution remains a major challenge. He called for innovation in “last-mile excellence” and tech-based distribution systems.

To address these issues, Anthony outlined three key pillars for the newly formed DPP APINDO Central Papua:

Strengthening the Secretariat as an information and service hub for members;

Expanding membership across all districts through value-added programs such as training and policy advocacy;

Organizing regular cross-sector business matching forums, covering industries like construction, tourism, fisheries, and trade.

He also highlighted the national flagship program “APINDO UMKM Mereka,” aimed at MSME incubation, inclusive financing access, digital literacy, and supply chain integration.

Fransiskus Pekei, the appointed Caretaker Chairman, expressed his gratitude for the presence and support of the APINDO National Board and the Central Papua Governor. “We sincerely thank DPN and the Governor for their guidance and reinforcement in establishing the DPP APINDO Central Papua,” he stated.

The Musprov also marked a historic moment with the official inauguration of the DPP structure and five District Leadership Councils (DPK) in Nabire, Deiyai, Dogiyai, Paniai, and Intan Jaya. The solemn inauguration ceremony included the reading of the leadership pledge, signing of the official minutes, and the symbolic handover of the APINDO banner (Pataka) from the national board to the newly elected DPP.

With Fransiskus Pekei’s leadership and the collaborative spirit of business actors, the government, and local communities, APINDO Central Papua is poised to become a regional economic powerhouse—not only competing at the national level but also driving inclusive and sustainable development across Eastern Indonesia.