Jayapura – The Papua Provincial Government continues to strengthen the role of the Indonesia-Papua New Guinea (PNG) border area in Wutung as the center of new economic growth in the Pacific region. This step was realized through the implementation of the Border Trade Fair RI–PNG 2025, which took place in the Wutung Neutral Zone on October 9-11, 2025.
The activity initiated by the Border Management and Cooperation Agency of Papua (BPPKS) is part of the local government’s strategy to make Papua a gateway to Indonesia’s trade in the Pacific region. This exhibition displays various regional superior products, community handicrafts, and export potential from local businesses that are ready to compete in the international market.
Assistant Secretary of Papua, Yohanes Walilo, emphasized that the local government is committed to making cross-border activities such as the Border Trade Fair a sustainable agenda. The goal is to open a wider space for economic cooperation between Indonesian and Papua New Guinea businesses.
“The Papua Provincial Government wants to ensure that the border area is not only the entrance of people and goods, but also as a driving force for the community’s economy,” said Yohanes.
He added, various facilities that have been built in the border area such as cross-border markets, logistics warehouses, and immigration checkpoints become important capitals in reviving the economic activities of the local community. In addition, the government also continues to coordinate with related authorities so that commercial vehicles from Papua can pass through the Vanimo region, PNG, after a cross-country permit is agreed upon.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Andriana Supandi, welcomed the holding of this event. He assessed the Border Trade Fair as a real form of economic diplomacy between countries that strengthens bilateral relations between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
“This cross-border exhibition is a productive means to strengthen trade, investment, and brotherhood relations between citizens in both countries. We hope that activities like this will continue and provide direct benefits for the people at the border,” said Ambassador Andriana.
The implementation of the Border Trade Fair RI-PNG 2025 is an important momentum for Papua to strengthen its role as Indonesia’s gateway to the Pacific, as well as opening up new opportunities for the economic progress of the border area and the welfare of the people in the eastern region of Indonesia.
