Papua ready to become Indonesia's diplomatic gateway to the Pacific
Papua Governor Matius D. Fakhiri has presented the Papua Pacific Gateway strategy to Foreign Minister Sugiono as an effort to strengthen Papua’s role in supporting Indonesia’s diplomacy in the Pacific region through sports, culture, and tourism. The meeting took place on Tuesday (30/6) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office, where the concept of positioning Papua as a gateway for Indonesia’s relations with Melanesian and Pacific nations was outlined. Fakhiri stated that the approach through sports, culture, and tourism constitutes a form of soft diplomacy deemed effective for building people-to-people connections whilst strengthening Papua’s positive image globally. He noted that sporting activities can serve as a bridge, with culture and tourism providing the gentlest approach to fostering a positive perception of Papua. Fakhiri explained that the presence of athletes, tourists, and delegates from Pacific countries in Papua is expected to offer them the opportunity to witness the region’s development first-hand, thereby building a better understanding of Papua. As a follow-up, the Papua Provincial Government has proposed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs act as a cross-ministerial and institutional coordinator so that the implementation of the Papua Pacific Gateway strategy can proceed in an integrated manner. The Papua Provincial Government is targeting the initial programme launch for August 2026, inviting several Pacific nations to participate in an international sporting agenda in Papua, including the potential hosting of the U-18 Independence Cup in Jayapura. Fakhiri added that through the Papua Pacific Gateway strategy, they are also promoting the strengthening of the Melanesian cultural corridor, development of the tourism sector, enhancement of international connectivity via Sentani Airport and Frans Kaisiepo Biak Airport, as well as cross-border cooperation with Papua New Guinea to make Papua the face of Indonesia in the Pacific region.