Province

Central Papua

Overview Economy

Papua – Central Papua

Central Papua, a province located in eastern Indonesia, is a new province that was split from Papua province on June 30, 2022, based on Law No. 15/2022 and Law No. 16/2022. The province is bordered by the districts of Waropen, Mamberamo Raya, and Cendrawasih Bay to the north. To the east, it is bordered by Lanny Jaya, Nduka, Tolikara, and Asmat districts; to the south lies the Arafuru Sea; and to the west are Kaimana district and Wondama Bay.

Central Papua Province encompasses a land area of 66,129 square kilometers, with the Nabire regency serving as the province’s central hub, acting as both the capital city and the administrative center. The province has a population of 1.3 million people.

The population of this province reflects a diverse religious landscape. Christians make up the largest share at 68.59 percent, followed by Catholics at 19.01 percent. Islam is practiced by 12.26 percent of the population, while Hindus and Buddhists form a very small minority, accounting for 0.07 percent and 0.03 percent, respectively. The remaining 0.04 percent adhere to other faiths.

Show more

Economic Description

Despite its recent establishment as a province, Central Papua boasts a promising economic outlook. In 2023, the province achieved a Gross Domestic Regional Product (GRDP) of Rp 101.6 trillion, with the mining and quarrying sector emerging as the primary driver of the region’s economic activity with a GRDP of Rp 78.3 trillion. This sector's dominance highlights the region's rich natural resources and their importance in driving economic growth.

The creation of the new autonomous regions of Central Papua, as well as South Papua, and Highland Papua, has led to a change in how local people make a living. As Central Papua was once part of Papua province, their commodities are very similar. Just like Papua province, Central Papua is now relying more on fishing and maritime activities, having previously mainly relied on gold mining. This is evidenced by the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector closely following the mining sector, making a notable contribution of Rp 6.16 trillion.

Lastly, the construction sector contributes around Rp 5.2 trillion to Central Papua’s GRDP. Due to its recent establishment, there is significant market potential for construction in this province. Furthermore, infrastructure development efforts on the island of Papua have been geared towards benefiting both the general population and commercial enterprises. Consequently, it has become increasingly crucial to continually enhance the province’s infrastructure to support the overall infrastructure development of the island.

Show more

Latest News

October 7, 2025

Investment and Downstream Minister/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Rosan Roeslani, who is also chief executive officer (CEO) of Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (BPI Danantara), revealed that Indonesia's state ownership of PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) shares will increase by 12 percentage points.

"I met with the [Freeport-McMoran] leadership, the CEO and the owner, directly in the US, and they have agreed to provide the 12 percent of [additional] share ownership free of charge. Alhamdulillah we have raised it gradually from a 10 percent [increase]." he said when met at the BKPM building in Jakarta Special Capital Region (DKI) on Sep. 30, 2025.

"They will build two universities to enhance the role of doctors. Two hospitals and two universities will be built in Papua," Rosan concluded.

The news about Indonesia increasing its stake in PTFI was previously conveyed by House of Representatives Commission VI Deputy Chair Andre Rosiade during a hearing by the House commission.

"I want to inform you that according to President Prabowo's order to Danantara, Insha Allah we will increase [Indonesia's] share in PTFI by 10-12 percentage points in October 2025. Thus, our current 51 percent stake in PTFI would reach 61 to 63 percent by October 2025," Andre explained on Sep. 29, 2025.

He emphasized that PTFI President Director Tony Wenas should attend a meeting with the House regarding the share divestment plan.

"This means there is no reason for the Freeport CEO not to attend the Commission VI hearing or other meetings with other House commissions because it is clear that the Indonesian government is PTFI's [controlling] shareholder," Andre concluded.

Read more
August 8, 2025
July 4, 2025
May 23, 2025
May 21, 2025
April 25, 2025
March 27, 2025
March 14, 2025
March 4, 2025
Load more