Jayawijaya Regency Strengthens Customary-Based MSME Sector

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

The Head of Jayawijaya Regency’s Disbudpar, Engelbert ChW Sorabut, stated in Wamena on Wednesday that the department is developing a programme to enhance customary-based MSMEs, with indigenous communities serving as the primary actors.

“We have mentored MSME actors who are, on average, indigenous people or Original Papuans (OAP) in Jayawijaya, producing various cultural ornaments; subsequently, Dekranasda (Regional National Crafts Council) assists in marketing these cultural products,” he said.

He noted 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 anticipate that the cultural exhibition involving these MSME trainees will achieve positive results during the national-level Dekranasda event in Makassar,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Jayawijaya Regency Dekranasda, Dr Idawati Waromi, stated that various flagship cultural products have been prepared for exhibition at the national Dekranasda event.

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