By 2030, the West Papua province will establish two economic zones, namely Bintuni Bay Industrial Zone and Sorong Special Economic Zone.
West Papua Deputy Governor Mohamad Lakotani believed that Bintuni Bay would attract investors from fertilizers and methanol plants and other gas-based industries that would utilize natural gas from the bay.
Potential offers for investors
Currently, British company BP Plc is operating an offshore gas field in Bintuni Bay. Over 500 billion cubic meters (18 trillion cubic feet) of proven natural gas reserves exist in the field, with potential reserves estimated at around 800 billion cubic meters.
BP is currently investing heavily in the zone. The Bintuni Bay area could be used as an industrial site to absorb gas from BP, particularly for the needs of the surrounding industries.
Large investors have expressed interest in Bintuni industrial estates, particularly investors from Japan and Europe. “We have met at the ministry of industry, and the data is there,” said Lakotani.
On a tour of the Special Economic Zone in Aimas, Sorong, Lakotani said that it could serve as a new economic growth zone. Papua’s local economy will benefit from this development while employment may also rise.
Natural resources such as wood, plantation products, oil palm, seaweed and tuna are transported through Sorong’s seaport. Aside from nickel, Sorong has other commodities and industries, including coal, oil and gas in Salawati and the Sago processing plant in South Sorong. Sorong has played the role of a gateway for Papua for a very long time. The main port for Papua is based in Sorong. Moreover, Sorong is a gateway to Raja Ampat, a world-class tourist destination.
Lakotani said West Papua administration has prepared the location and communicated with the government as well as disseminated the information to the people.
The government, through industry ministry, invites and introduces potential investors to the location.
Lakotani said his administration would simplify business permits and licensing and would provide protection for investors. “We offer security without a massive deployment of forces in the region,” he said, adding that the administration would work closely with the community.
Security concern
While armed separatist groups have carried out attacks in the region, Lakotani pointed out that the incident sites were far from Sorong. There is a restive area three hours away from the airport. The media exaggerated the incident without mentioning the reality on the field, he added.
In the Special Economic Zones of Sorong and Bintuni Bay, a relatively high level of safety exists. The local administration guarantees there would be no disruption on business activities. Religious leaders, traditional figures and community members have committed to preventing such a situation from occurring.
“We are ready to support investment activities in West Papua, so there will be no disruptions from the people or irresponsible groups,” Lakotani said.
