Media

Merauke, December 14, 2025 — The Provincial Executive Board (DPP) of the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) South Papua for the 2025–2030 term was officially inaugurated in a solemn ceremony held at the Swiss-Belhotel Ballroom in Merauke on Sunday (14/12/2025).

The inauguration was led directly by the Chairwoman of the National Executive Board (DPN) of APINDO, Shinta W. Kamdani, marking the commencement of the new APINDO South Papua leadership under Herman Anitu Basik-Basik.

South Papua Governor Dr. Ir. Apolo Safanpo, S.T., M.T., in his welcoming remarks, extended greetings to the APINDO Chairwoman and the national leadership, while also congratulating the newly inaugurated provincial board.

“On behalf of the South Papua Provincial Government and the people of South Papua, we warmly welcome the Chairwoman of APINDO and her delegation, and extend our congratulations to the newly appointed APINDO South Papua leadership,” the Governor said.

The Governor emphasized South Papua’s significant potential in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, stressing the need for optimal and inclusive development. He called on APINDO to actively identify economic opportunities while promoting the participation of Indigenous Papuans (OAP) across the entire value chain—from seedling and production to processing.

According to him, the provincial government is currently developing the agricultural sector comprehensively, from land expansion to improving crop productivity. However, challenges remain, including limited access to fertilizers, high-quality seeds, skilled labor, as well as distribution and logistics constraints.

“We also continue to face limitations in qualified human resources in the agricultural sector. Therefore, we invite APINDO to collaborate with academics through seminars, research, and strategic studies to map resources and business opportunities in South Papua,” he added.

Meanwhile, Merauke Regent Yoseph B. Gebze, S.H., LLM, congratulated the newly inaugurated APINDO South Papua board, describing APINDO’s presence as a distinct honor for the region.

“A region will progress only when all components of the nation stand united—government, traditional leaders, community figures, and most importantly, the business community,” he emphasized.

The Regent underscored the importance of active business participation in regional development, particularly in introducing South Papua’s potential to national investors. He noted that South Papua has long been perceived by some business circles as less attractive compared to western Indonesia.

“We want Indonesia to grow in a balanced manner—not only the western regions, but eastern Indonesia must also rise,” he said.

In the context of National Strategic Programs (PSN), the Regent stressed the vital role of entrepreneurs, particularly in supporting Merauke’s position as a national food barn. He highlighted the importance of synergy and harmony between government and business to ensure equitable and sustainable development.

The Regent also pointed to ongoing challenges in MSME development in Merauke, which still requires mentoring and support. He expressed hope that APINDO would play an active role in assisting small businesses to grow and move up the value chain.

“Let us join hands to build Merauke and South Papua together,” he concluded.

In her address, APINDO Chairwoman Shinta W. Kamdani stated that South Papua stands at a critical juncture as a young province with significant and strategic economic potential. She noted that from January to September 2025, South Papua recorded investment realization of IDR 5.1 trillion, making it the second-largest on the island of Papua, representing nearly 150 percent growth compared to the previous year. Since its establishment as a province in 2022, total investment inflows have reached approximately IDR 8.5 trillion, reflecting growth of more than 260 percent.

In terms of economic structure, the construction sector contributed the largest share to South Papua’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) at 23.31 percent, followed by agriculture, forestry, and fisheries at 21.51 percent, and trade at 12.81 percent. The transportation and warehousing sector recorded the highest growth at 11.08 percent, signaling strong opportunities in logistics and food supply chains.

Nevertheless, she also highlighted ongoing challenges, including economic growth hovering at 4.16 percent, a poverty rate of 19.71 percent, and a Human Development Index (HDI) of 69.54, still below the national average.

“For this reason, the business sector cannot move alone, nor can the government work in isolation. We must move forward together in the spirit of Indonesia Incorporated,” she stressed.

She reaffirmed APINDO’s commitment to promoting downstream development in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, strengthening local human capital, creating jobs, and ensuring that South Papua’s economic development remains inclusive and sustainable.

The inauguration ceremony was marked by the reading of the DPN APINDO Decree, the oath-taking of board members, the handover of the organizational flag, and the signing of official documents. The newly inaugurated APINDO South Papua leadership is expected to serve as a driving force for the business community and a strategic partner of the regional government in accelerating South Papua’s economic development.

As part of the event series, a visit was conducted to the Sota Integrated Border Post (PLBN Sota), followed by an Economic Dialogue attended by APINDO national leaders, including Vice Chairmen Eddy Hussy and Sanny Iskandar, Chairman for MSMEs and Cooperatives Ronald Walla, Chairman for Organization Anthony Hilman, and Executive Director Rudolf Saut.

The event was also attended by members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) and key stakeholders, including Commander of Korem 174/ATW Brigadier General Andy Setyawan, Commander of Lantamal XI Merauke Rear Admiral Joko Andriyanto, Commander of J.A. Dimara Air Base Colonel Beny Aprianto, heads of provincial government agencies of South Papua, and Chairman of KADIN South Papua Julian Charles Gomar.