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.

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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.

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Latest News

November 14, 2025

Central Papua Governor Meki Fritz Nawipa stated that the Republic of Seychelles, Africa's smallest country, is willing to assist in developing Central Papua's tourism sector, including improving community skills in homestay management, culinary arts, crafts, and other tourism activities.

"The Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles to Indonesia, Nico Barito, is already in Nabire Regency, Central Papua Province, and will share his experience to help develop the tourism potential here," he said in a statement received in Jayapura Regency, Central Papua, on Nov. 10, 2025.

Nawipa added that both parties have agreed to promote sustainable tourism in Central Papua, focusing on environmental conservation and local economic empowerment.

"We appreciate the visit of the Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles to Nabire Regency. Hopefully, it will bring new hope for regional development," he said.

Meanwhile, Barito stated that Seychelles is eager to optimize the tourism potential of Central Papua, as its natural resource potential is similar to that of the East African country. He believes Central Papua has significant potential in natural resource management, tourism, and investment, which, if properly managed, could increase regional income.

"Coastal cleanups, mangrove planting, and organic fish and shrimp cultivation could become new sources of economic [development]," he said.

Barito added that conservation areas in Central Papua could remain protected for at least the next decade with local community involvement and proper management

"We envision collaborating with banks to establish a conservation and development fund so Central Papua will have resource resilience for the future," he concluded.

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