SMC expected to drive Southwest Papua tourism, economic growth

The construction of Sorong Modern City (SMC) officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony held in the reclamation area of ​​Tembok Berlin Beach in Sorong City, Southwest Papua Province on Feb. 3, 2025. The project is expected to become a new center for trade, business, and tourism icon that can increase the growth of the sector and the area's economy in general.

Southwest Papua Province Youth, Sports, Tourism, and Creative Economy Agency (Disporaparekraf) Head Yusdi Lamatenggo expressed his optimism about this project, adding that the SMC's presence will have a positive impact on the local community and the regional economy.

"We hope that this project can support economic growth and become a new tourism icon in Southwest Papua," said Yusdi.

Furthermore, he explained that SMC's strategic location near the Raja Ampat tourist destination opens up great opportunities for the development of additional facilities, such as hotels, office centers, and mini marinas. Those developments could later facilitate tourist access to Raja Ampat via Kampung Baru.

"We also hope that there will be a tourist beach around this mall to make it more attractive to visitors," he said.

Yusdi emphasized that Southwest Papua has extraordinary natural wealth, from its mountains to its seas as well as cultural tourism potential that is a special attraction for tourists. The presence of both SMC Mall and the already operating Paragon Mall is expected to be developed tourist magnet that complements the natural beauty of the area.

However, Yusdi also highlighted the high airfare to eastern Indonesia as the main obstacle in developing the region's tourism sector. He said the challenge needs attention from the Indonesian government to be resolved.

"We hope that the Tourism Ministry and the Transportation Ministry can take strategic steps to reduce airfare so that the flow of tourist visits to Southwest Papua could increase," Yusdi said.

Although the tourist movements during the 2024 Christmas and New Year holidays experienced a slight decline compared to the previous year, Yusdi remains optimistic that 2025 will be provide the momentum for the revival of tourism in Southwest Papua.

"With various developments and supportive government policies, we are confident that the tourism sector and regional economy will continue to grow," he concluded.