JAYAPURA – The Papua Provincial Government continues to promote the Indonesia–Papua New Guinea (PNG) border area in Wutung as a new center of economic growth in the Pacific region. One of its key initiatives is the Border Trade Fair RI–PNG 2025, held in the Wutung Neutral Zone from October 9–11, 2025.

The event, initiated by the Papua Border and Cooperation Management Agency (BPPKS), is part of the provincial government’s strategy to strengthen Papua’s role as Indonesia’s trade gateway to the Pacific.

Assistant I to the Papua Regional Secretary, Yohanes Walilo, said that the government is committed to making cross-border activities a continuous agenda to create broader opportunities for economic cooperation with Papua New Guinea.

“Cross-border trade not only strengthens social ties between communities but also has a direct impact on the economic growth of people living in border areas,” Walilo said in Jayapura on Thursday (October 9, 2025).

According to him, various facilities built in the border area — such as markets and border posts — are key assets for revitalizing local economic activities. He added that the provincial government continues to coordinate efforts to allow commercial vehicles from Papua to pass through Vanimo once cross-border permits are finalized.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Andriana Supandi, viewed the event as a tangible form of economic diplomacy between the two countries. He stated that the Border Trade Fair serves as a productive platform to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations.

“This event demonstrates the vast economic potential that can be developed together. The enthusiasm of people on both sides of the border proves that this economic cooperation is highly promising,” he said. ***