Vice President visits cocoa production centre in South Manokwari

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka planted cocoa seedlings and toured a chocolate processing factory in Ransiki District, South Manokwari Regency, West Papua, involving local residents. Accompanied by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk, West Papua Governor Dominggus Mandacan, and farmer groups working at PT Ebier Suth Cokran, Gibran observed the site before inspecting the Mansel Chocolate Factory, which sits within a 2,000-hectare plantation complex and predominantly employs indigenous Papuans. At the factory, the Vice President viewed the chocolate production stages, from cocoa beans to finished products ready for sale. Cocoa beans from the plantation are also exported abroad. Following the inspection, Gibran was scheduled to open the 14th National Church Choir Festival (Pesparawi) in Manokwari. The Vice President’s working visit spans East Nusa Tenggara, Gorontalo, West Papua, and South Papua from 18 to 21 June 2026. On the final day, Sunday 21 June, he will continue to South Papua via Asmat Regency to inspect public facilities, including the Asmat Museum of Culture and Progress, the Sago Field School, Agats Regional General Hospital, and the Holy Cross Cathedral Church.