Jayapura, Jubi – Papua Governor Matius Derek Fakhiri has proposed strengthening cross-border trade with Pacific countries, particularly Papua New Guinea (PNG), as part of efforts to increase the province’s locally generated revenue (PAD).
Fakhiri presented the proposal during a meeting with Indonesia’s Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, in Jakarta on Thursday (July 9, 2026).
He said Papua’s economy could grow significantly if locally produced goods were marketed not only within the province but also exported to international markets.
“Selling our products within Papua alone can already increase local revenue. It would be even better if we could expand into the Pacific region, including PNG,” Fakhiri said.
According to the governor, achieving that goal will require close cooperation with the Directorate General of Immigration, including strengthening border checkpoints to facilitate trade and improve cross-border mobility.
During the meeting, Fakhiri also proposed a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections that would allow civil servants from the Papua provincial government to transfer into the ministry.
He said the initiative would help optimize the province’s civil service workforce while strengthening immigration services in eastern Indonesia.
“We appreciate the opportunity to meet with the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections today. One of the issues we raised is the relatively large number of civil servants employed by the Papua provincial government. We are encouraging the transfer of some of our civil servants into the Ministry of Immigration,” he said.
Fakhiri said Minister Agus welcomed the proposals and expressed the ministry’s readiness to support the Papua provincial government’s strategic programs.
The meeting also discussed involving prison inmates in agricultural and plantation programs currently being promoted by the provincial government.
“Rather than simply waiting to complete their sentences, inmates could take part in productive activities such as the food brigade program. It would equip them with practical skills before they return to society,” Fakhiri said.
He also welcomed the minister’s support for expanding opportunities for Indigenous Papuans to serve within the Ministry of Immigration, including the possibility of holding senior leadership positions such as regional office heads in the future.
According to Fakhiri, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Indigenous Papuan representation within Indonesia’s national bureaucracy. (*)
