Papua is a province that has many natural resources. An important natural resource is coal. Coal is one of the abundant natural resources in Papua. This coal potential can be utilized as a business opportunity to improve the economy and welfare of the local community. Coal processing can contribute significantly to Papua’s economic development, both through the industrial sector and as an energy source. For example, local companies can utilize coal to generate electricity for areas that still lack electrical energy supply.
In addition, the region has abundant food sources, one of which is the sago tree (Metroxylon sagu Rottb). Sago trees grow wild in almost all lowlands of Papua. The abundance of sago trees growing in the Papua region can be utilized as a business opportunity that can improve the economy and welfare of the community. Sago can be processed into various types of traditional cakes such as papeda, sago bakwan, and other typical Papuan cakes. This can open up business opportunities for the sale of traditional sago cakes can be an attractive business opportunity in the local market and tourists visiting Papua. Papua, with its abundant natural resources, not only has potential in sago but also as a cradle of invaluable specialty crafts, such as noken.
In 2012 UNESCO designated Noken as an intangible cultural heritage. Noken is a typical craft from Papua that can only be produced by Papuans. This is due to the philosophical value and local wisdom that exists in it, where the making of this noken symbolizes the maturity and maturity of a local Papuan woman. If a woman is not able to make a noken, then she is not considered mature and not yet eligible for marriage. One of the special things about noken is the raw materials required. As is known, this traditional Papuan bag is composed of bark fibers. The raw material of the wood fiber also varies in type, some of which come from the bark of the Manduan Tree, Nawa Tree, to Forest Orchid.
The government has made various efforts to achieve Papua’s potential as a leading MSME product, especially in the development of sago and noken. Community empowerment programs, product promotion and marketing, policy development, collaboration with the private sector and non-governmental organizations, and supply chain development are some of the efforts that have been made. Achievements include increased production, increased community income, preservation of local culture and traditions, and increased competitiveness of Papuan MSME products in domestic and international markets. Although there are still many challenges faced, these steps have made a positive contribution in optimizing Papua’s potential as a leading MSME producer.
West Papua Now 