Jayawijaya Government Strengthens Custom-Based MSME Competencies

The Jayawijaya Regency Government, Highland Papua, through the local Department of Culture and Tourism, is strengthening the competency of the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector based on local customs in the region.

The Head of the Jayawijaya Regency Department of Culture and Tourism, Engelbert ChW Sorabut, stated in Wamena on Tuesday that the department is developing a programme to improve customary-based MSMEs by involving local indigenous communities.

“We are mentoring MSME actors, most of whom are indigenous Papuan people in Jayawijaya, who produce various cultural ornaments; subsequently, Dekranasda (Regional National Crafts Council) assists in marketing these cultural products,” he said.

He added that the products produced by these mentored MSMEs include noken weaving made from natural materials, carvings, and processed coffee.

“We hope these mentored groups will continue to progress and grow with tangible support from the Jayawijaya Regency Dekranasda,” he added.

He explained that these MSME groups will participate in a cultural exhibition to be held in Makassar, South Sulawesi, in July 2026.

“We expect that the cultural exhibition attended by these MSME trainees will achieve good results during the national-level Dekranasda event in Makassar,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Jayawijaya Regency Dekranasda, Dr Idawati Waromi, stated that they have prepared various flagship cultural products to be showcased at the national Dekranasda event.

“We will bring natural, handmade products using natural materials to provide a natural impression at the Dekranasda event in Makassar,” she said.