{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1830824,
        "msgid": "sorong-aims-to-become-more-than-just-a-gateway-to-raja-ampat-1782748253",
        "date": "2026-06-29 21:40:00",
        "title": "Sorong Aims to Become More Than Just a Gateway to Raja Ampat",
        "author": "Irvan Sihombing",
        "source": "MEDIA_INDONESIA",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Economy",
        "summary": "The city of Sorong is seeking to transform its image from a mere transit point for tourists heading to Raja Ampat into a premier tourism destination in its own right. The local government has launched a capacity-building programme specifically for Indigenous Papuans to professionally manage local attractions. Officials stress that developing human resources is key to sustainably unlocking the region's natural, cultural, and maritime tourism potential.",
        "content": "<p>Every journey has a gateway. For anyone wishing to experience the\nwestern side of Papua, that gateway is named Sorag. The city, which has\nlong been identified as a stopover point en route to Raja Ampat, is now\nstriving to build a new identity: becoming the primary face of Papuan\ntourism. The Sorong City Government aims to ensure that the charm of\neastern Indonesia is not only found at the end of the journey but also\nat the gateway that welcomes visitors from the very beginning.<\/p>\n<p>A concrete step towards realising this vision was marked by the\nopening of the Capacity Building Activity for Indigenous Papuan Human\nResources in Managing Sorong City Tourism Destinations. The event, held\non Monday, 29 June 2026, was officially opened by the Vice Mayor of\nSorong, Anshar Karim, accompanied by the Head of the Sorong City Tourism\nOffice, Zikri Atiqi Helmi.<\/p>\n<p>For decades, Sorong has been regarded merely as a transit point.\nTourists land at Domine Eduard Osok Airport and immediately head to the\nport to cross over to Raja Ampat. However, as the capital of Southwest\nPapua Province, Sorong possesses riches that have not yet been fully\ntouched by mainstream tourism.<\/p>\n<p>Anshar emphasised that the tourism sector has now become a strategic\nsector capable of driving regional economic growth. However, the vast\npotential\u2014ranging from nature, culture, and history to marine\ntourism\u2014will not yield optimal benefits without the support of\nhigh-quality human resources.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGreat tourism potential will not provide optimal benefits if it is\nnot supported by quality, skilled human resources who possess the\nability to manage tourist destinations professionally and sustainably,\u201d\nAnshar Karim stated in his address.<\/p>\n<p>The primary focus of this activity is to ensure that the local\ncommunity, particularly Indigenous Papuans (OAP), do not merely remain\nspectators amidst the rapid development of tourism. The Sorong City\nGovernment is encouraging the active involvement of indigenous people as\ninnovative and competitive destination managers.<\/p>\n<p>Developing community-based tourism is one of the strategic steps to\nrealise the grand vision of the Sorong City Government. By integrating\nthe concept of sustainable tourism, Sorong is expected to strengthen its\nimage as a leading destination in Southwest Papua, rather than merely\nexisting in the shadow of Raja Ampat.<\/p>\n<p>Zikri added that synergy between the government and local tourism\nactors is crucial. Through this training, it is hoped that a strong\ncollaborative network will emerge among destination managers to share\nexperiences and strengthen the city\u2019s tourism ecosystem.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/sorong-aims-to-become-more-than-just-a-gateway-to-raja-ampat-1782748253",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}