JAYAPURA — The Papua Provincial Government is exploring stronger cooperation with the banking sector to support the region's economic transformation. One of the steps being discussed is collaboration with Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) in developing digital payment systems and financing for the micro-enterprise sector.

BRI Regional CEO Fahmi Rahendas said the meeting with the Governor of Papua was an opportunity to align various programs that could be carried out jointly with the provincial government.

"This meeting is also a gathering opportunity and a chance to present several programs that we can collaborate on with the Papua Provincial Government. The cooperation has actually already been underway, but going forward we want to optimize it further," Fahmi said in Jayapura on Monday (March 9, 2026).

One of the main focuses of discussion was the implementation of digital payment systems in various public services. According to Fahmi, digital payments can improve service efficiency while also helping the regional government optimize the potential of locally generated revenue.

He gave the example that digitalization could be applied to the management of regional levies, including parking fees and various other public services that are still being handled manually.

In addition to service digitalization, BRI also expressed its commitment to expanding financing support for micro-business actors in Papua. This support is expected to increase community productivity and encourage local economic growth.

BRI also sees major potential in some of Papua's leading commodities, including the fisheries sector, which is considered to have industrial development opportunities from upstream to downstream.

Responding to this, Papua Governor Matius D. Fakhiri welcomed the planned collaboration between the regional government and BRI. He said that support from the banking sector plays an important role in driving regional economic development.

"Support from the banking sector is very important to strengthen regional economic development, including encouraging service digitalization and the development of productive sectors in Papua," Fakhiri said.

The Papua Provincial Government hopes that synergy with financial institutions will have a tangible impact on regional economic growth and improve public welfare. ***