WAMENA, Papua Highlands – Support for the Papeda Summit 2026 is growing ahead of the three-day forum scheduled to take place in Sorong, Southwest Papua, from September 2 to 4, 2026. The summit is expected to bring together government officials, Indigenous leaders, academics, civil society organizations and development partners to discuss sustainable development across Papua.
Papua Highlands Governor John Tabo expressed his support for the summit during a meeting with the Papeda Summit organizing team in Wamena.
John said the forum could provide an important platform for bringing different stakeholders together to discuss the future of development in Papua. He also welcomed the initiative to create a space for cross-sector collaboration.
“I support it. This is a very good activity that brings the stakeholders together. I will try to attend,” John said.
He emphasized that sustainable development in Papua should generate tangible benefits for local communities, particularly through the development of local commodities with economic potential.
According to John, the natural resources and economic potential of each region should be managed responsibly to improve the welfare of Indigenous communities while maintaining environmental sustainability.
He also highlighted the importance of involving academics in development discussions, particularly academics from Papua who understand local conditions and challenges.
“The involvement of academics is also important in the Papeda Summit meeting, especially academics from Papua because they better understand the conditions of our land,” he said.
Regional Head of EcoNusa Papua, Maryo Sanuddin, said academics would be among the groups participating in the Papeda Summit 2026.
The three-day forum is expected to attract around 500 participants from various backgrounds, including representatives of the central government, diplomatic missions, academics, civil society organizations and development partners.
The summit is expected to serve as a platform for exchanging ideas and strengthening cooperation among stakeholders involved in Papua’s development.
One of the key outcomes planned for the forum is the Sorong Declaration, which is expected to serve as a joint commitment among the six provinces in Papua to strengthen collaboration and promote inclusive and sustainable development that delivers tangible benefits to local communities.
The growing support for Papeda Summit 2026 reflects efforts to establish a broader dialogue on Papua’s development, with Indigenous communities, local potential and environmental sustainability placed at the center of the discussion.
