JAYAPURA – Acting Regional Secretary of Papua, Suzana D. Wanggai, together with the Indonesian Consul in Vanimo, Tangkuman Alexander, led a preparatory meeting for the Border Trade Fair (BTF) 2025 at the Office of the Land Transportation Management Center (BPTD) Class II Papua – International Cargo Terminal, Skouw, on Thursday (October 2, 2025).

The meeting was attended by representatives from Papua New Guinea (PNG) covering the tourism, culture, and security sectors, as well as several prospective BTF exhibitors. From Indonesia, participants included representatives from the Papua Provincial Government’s technical departments (SKPD), Immigration, the Papua Regional Police, Quarantine, Customs, the Border Crossing Post (PLBN), and the transportation sector.

Acting Regional Secretary Suzana D. Wanggai emphasized that this annual event is part of the ongoing cooperation between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea aimed at promoting economic growth in the border region.

“The Border Trade Fair serves as a platform to strengthen cooperation and enhance the economic well-being of border communities. All parties will continue maintaining active communication to ensure the success of this event,” Suzana said.

During the meeting, it was agreed that the Border Trade Fair 2025 will be held in the Neutral Zone, Wutung, on October 9–11, 2025. Further technical discussions will be coordinated by the Technical Committee from both countries.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Consul in Vanimo, Tangkuman Alexander, stated that the BTF agenda will not only feature trade exhibitions and business matching sessions between entrepreneurs and MSMEs from both countries but will also include the signing of several strategic cooperation agreements, particularly in the health sector and other areas.

“We hope this event will be a great success, as it brings tangible benefits to the border economy. We continue to maintain cross-sector communication, including coordination on security matters,” Tangkuman noted.

The Border Trade Fair is expected to serve as a key forum to strengthen trade, cultural, and social relations between the border communities of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. ***