WEWAK – The 28th Border Liaison Officers Meeting (BLOM) between the Republic of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (RI–PNG) officially opened at the Village Inn Hotel in Wewak, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea, on Monday (November 3, 2025). The meeting is expected to open new opportunities for cooperation along the shared border between the two neighboring countries.

Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Papua New Guinea, Ipa conveyed appreciation and a warm welcome to all delegates from both nations.

Meanwhile, Alfons Kami, Deputy Administrator of East Sepik Province, officially opened the welcoming dinner and expressed deep appreciation for the active participation of both delegations. He noted that this was the second BLOM to be held in Wewak since 2016.

“Historically, Wewak is known as the place where World War II came to an end, making it a meaningful and fitting location to host the BLOM,” said Alfons Kami.

He further emphasized that delegates from both countries should present their agendas openly and transparently, underscoring the importance of strengthening cooperation initiatives such as the proposed Sister Province partnership between East Sepik Province and Papua Province.

On the Indonesian side, the Head of the Indonesian Delegation, Suzana Wanggai, expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and the selection of Wewak as the host city for BLOM 2025.

Suzana noted that Wewak is well known to the people of Papua, as it shares a Sister City relationship with Jayapura City. The similarities in demography, geography, and development potential have been key driving factors behind this collaboration, which also inspires the proposed Sister Province partnership between East Sepik Province and Papua Province.

In closing, Suzana expressed hope that the 28th BLOM would produce tangible outcomes and lead to mutually beneficial agreements that further enhance cooperation between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. ***