JAYAPURA – Acting Assistant Secretary of Papua for Economic Affairs and People's Welfare, Suzana Wanggai said that the national agenda of the Cross Border Festival at PLBN Skouw, Jayapura City from July 6 to July 8, 2023, is very important to maintain good relations between the two countries, especially in the border area.

This was conveyed by Assistant Suzana Wanggai in Jayapura, in a statement to reporters, Wednesday (5/7/2023).

"The Cross Border Festival is not new, because in previous years it has also been held and received a warm welcome from the community. However, this event was stopped due to the pandemic hitting Indonesia, including Papua Province."

"This means that we hope that apart from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Festival will return to normal again because it is very good for maintaining relations between the two countries. Actually, this border crossing activity has been running and has stopped," he explained.

Not only that, Suzana believes that the national agenda will also have an economic impact on local residents, especially in the Skouw border area of Jayapura City.

"In essence, we welcome the re-holding of the Cross Border Festival. Surely this festival will attract enough visitors, it is expected to increase the income of the merchants there."

"So of course we hope for the support of the Papuan people so that the implementation of the festival that presents art, dance and other performances from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea runs well. This event is held by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy," said Suzana. ***