Jayapura – The Papua Provincial Government continues to encourage digital transformation as one of the main strategies in accelerating regional economic development. Digitalization is considered to be able to open wider market access, increase transaction efficiency, and strengthen the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) in Papua.
Acting (Plt) Head of the Manpower, Cooperative, UKM and Transmigration Office of Papua Province, Jimmy A.Y. Thesia, said that the development of digital technology today has become an inevitable need in the face of the dynamics of economic development that continues to grow.
According to him, digital transformation is no longer just an option, but a must so that local business people are able to adapt and compete in the midst of changes in trade patterns and public consumption that are increasingly relying on technology.
“Digital transformation becomes an important instrument in expanding market access for Papua’s superior products, ranging from mountain coffee, sago, asar fish from coastal areas to noken crafts produced by Papuan UMKM actors,” said Jimmy in Jayapura, Tuesday (6/16).
He explained, the utilization of digital platforms and information technology provides great opportunities for Papuan local products to be known more widely, not only in the national market but also in the international market. With the support of technology, UMKM actors can market their products more effectively, reach a wider range of consumers, and increase the added value of the products produced.
Jimmy assesses that digitalization is also able to encourage efficiency in various aspects of business, ranging from marketing, financial transactions, business management to business network development. Therefore, the government continues to encourage the improvement of digital literacy and technology utilization for MSMEs in various regions of Papua.
As a form of support for the acceleration of digital transformation, the Papua Provincial Government also supports the implementation of the 3rd Cenderawasih Festival (Fescend) in 2026 which is held by the Representative Office of Bank Indonesia Papua Province.
“On Thursday (11/6), we opened the 3rd Cenderawasih Festival (Fescend) of the Year 2026 held by the Representative Office of Bank Indonesia. Through these activities, it is hoped that it can strengthen the synergy of inclusive and sustainable digital transformation,” he said.
The festival becomes a forum for collaboration between the government, business actors, financial institutions, and various stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of digital technology in the economic sector. In addition, this activity also aims to increase the capacity of MSMEs to be able to utilize various digital platforms in developing their businesses.
The Papua Provincial Government is optimistic that the digital transformation carried out inclusively will be the driving force of regional economic growth. With the support of various parties, Papua’s superior products are expected to be more competitive, have wider market access, and be able to improve the welfare of the community, especially the indigenous Papuan MSMEs.
Through strengthening a sustainable digital ecosystem, Papua continues to strive to create a more modern, productive economy, and able to compete at the national and global levels without leaving the potential and local wisdom that becomes a regional identity.
