Jayapura, Jubi – Dozens of Indigenous Papuan and non-Papuan micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) generated hundreds of millions of rupiah in revenue during the three-day celebrations marking the fourth anniversary of Central Papua Province, held in Nabire, the provincial capital, from July 20–22.
Vivian Andenita Gobai, chair of the anniversary organizing committee, said local businesses and small entrepreneurs earned a combined Rp170 million (about US$10,400) on the opening day of the celebrations alone.
“Revenue figures for the second and third days are still being compiled,” Gobai said while presenting the committee’s report during the closing ceremony on Wednesday evening.
Gobai, who also serves as Acting Head of the General Affairs Bureau at the Central Papua Provincial Secretariat, said the anniversary celebrations were not only an opportunity to bring communities together but also to promote local entrepreneurship and mark the launch of several regional strategic initiatives.
She said the strong public turnout throughout the three-day event reflected the provincial government’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to residents, not only through its free education program but also by supporting the growth of local small businesses.
This year’s anniversary was held under the theme, “United in Heart for National Recovery, Rising Together Towards a Prosperous Society.”
Gobai acknowledged that, despite progress in education, healthcare, social protection, economic development, connectivity and infrastructure, the young province still faces significant challenges.
“As a relatively new province, this anniversary should serve as an opportunity to evaluate our performance, address shortcomings and strengthen our commitment to serving the people,” she said.
Gobai also expressed appreciation to all parties involved in the event, including regional leaders, the Central Papua Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), the Central Papua Arts Council, sponsors and the organizing committee.
“We sincerely apologize for any shortcomings during the event,” she said. (*)
