JAYAPURA – The Border Trade Fair between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) is expected to serve as a strategic hub for exports and imports to the Pacific region.

Acting Papua Regional Secretary Suzana Wanggai said the event, scheduled for October 2025, is a concrete manifestation of the bilateral commitment between the two nations.

“The Border Trade Fair is not just an annual trade agenda, but also a platform to strengthen social, cultural, and strategic partnerships between Indonesia and PNG,” Suzana said.

The event will take place in the border area and will feature participation from MSMEs and entrepreneurs from both countries.

Preparations have been underway since July, involving coordination with state-owned enterprises (BUMN), region-owned enterprises (BUMD), quarantine and immigration authorities, customs, the Indonesian military, and the national police to ensure a smooth execution.

Suzana noted that the Indonesia–PNG border holds vast potential as a distribution channel for Indonesian products to the Pacific and as PNG’s gateway to Asian markets.

“We want the border to become an economic gateway that brings mutual benefits,” she said.

She added that the event is also aimed at fostering people-to-people connections, encouraging cultural exchanges, and opening new investment opportunities.

The Border Trade Fair is part of the Border Liaison Meeting or Joint Border Committee agenda, which has long supported cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economy, education, and health. ***