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Manokwari – West Papua is currently at a pivotal moment as an economic hub in Eastern Indonesia, endowed with unique strengths including its strategic location, processing industries—particularly LNG—as well as vast potential in the marine, agriculture, and tourism sectors.

Economic growth that has surpassed national records demonstrates West Papua’s capacity to serve as an economic locomotive. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain, including high levels of informality, persistent poverty, dependence on the mining sector, and the need to accelerate connectivity and improve the equitable distribution of quality of life.

For this reason, the business community, central and regional governments, financial institutions, and all stakeholders must move forward in unison under the spirit of Indonesia Incorporated to build an inclusive, productive, and sustainable economy for the people of West Papua.

These remarks were delivered by APINDO Chairwoman Shinta W. Kamdani during the inauguration of the Provincial Leadership Board (DPP) of APINDO West Papua, held on Friday (December 12, 2025) in Manokwari. Shinta Kamdani was accompanied by APINDO Vice Chairpersons Eddy Hussy and Sanny Iskandar, Head of APINDO’s MSMEs and Cooperatives Division Ronald Walla, Head of the Organizational Affairs Division Anthony Hilman, and Executive Director Rudolf Saut.

The event was attended by officials from the West Papua Provincial Government, including Vice Governor Mohamad Lakotani Sirua, the Chair of the West Papua Provincial House of Representatives (DPR), the Chief of West Papua Regional Police, and representatives of Kodam XVIII/Kasuari, as well as representatives of the Manokwari Regency Government, BP3OKP West Papua, and academic leaders such as UNIPA Rector Prof. Dr. Hugo Warami, S.Pd., M.Hum, and UNCRI Manokwari Rector Robert K.H. Hammar, alongside business leaders, labor unions, and trade unions.

In her message to the newly inaugurated APINDO West Papua leadership, Shinta Kamdani emphasized that the five-year mandate ahead is not merely about maintaining the organization, but about strengthening it as a shared home for the business community and a driving force for change. Through synergy among the National Board (DPN), Provincial Boards (DPP), and Regency/City Boards (DPK), the new leadership is expected to deliver stronger advocacy, concrete cross-institutional collaboration, and local economic initiatives that generate tangible added value.

Echoing local wisdom—“shared burdens are carried together, light tasks are lifted together”—the new leadership was urged to explore every opportunity, uphold organizational integrity, and ensure that APINDO remains a development force that delivers real benefits to both the business sector and the people of West Papua.

Meanwhile, the Vice Governor of West Papua described the inauguration as a breakthrough and a strategic momentum to consolidate the role of the business community in supporting a productive, inclusive, and peace-oriented regional economic development agenda.

He expressed hope that APINDO would serve as a driving force for collaboration, bridging government, the business sector, and Papuan youth within a fair and inclusive ecosystem.

Chairperson of DPP APINDO West Papua, Sroyer Elisa, conveyed her deep appreciation to the APINDO National Board for the trust and guidance extended, as well as to the Governor of West Papua for opening avenues for dialogue and strategic partnership with the business community. She affirmed that DPP APINDO West Papua will continue to work in synergy with the regional government to strengthen economic growth, increase investment, and create employment opportunities for the community.

Gratitude was also extended to all stakeholders—including local and national entrepreneurs, state-owned and regionally owned enterprises, the banking sector, MSMEs, and labor partners—for their collective support in fostering a healthy, conducive, and sustainable business climate. The inauguration marks an important momentum to reinforce APINDO’s role as the umbrella organization for employers and as a collaborative platform in addressing regional economic challenges.

Looking ahead, APINDO West Papua is committed to promoting a more competitive investment climate, strengthening harmonious industrial relations, and enhancing the capacity of the business sector, including MSMEs, to become more competitive.

APINDO also stands ready to play an active role in accelerating economic development through synergy with the government in policy formulation and strategic forums. With integrity, professionalism, and a spirit of togetherness, APINDO West Papua is determined to become a strategic partner for the government and business actors in realizing a more advanced, inclusive, and prosperous West Papua.