Province

Southwest Papua

Overview Economy

Papua – Southwest Papua

Southwest Papua, with its capital in the bustling city of Sorong, officially gained provincial status on November 17, 2022, through Law No. 29/2022. The province shares its borders with various neighboring regions: to the north, it adjoins the countries of the Philippines and Palau, as well as the Pacific Ocean; to the east, it borders West Papua’s regencies of Manokwari and Teluk Bintuni; to the west, it shares boundaries with the provinces of Maluku and North Maluku; and to the south, it is bordered by West Papua’s Fakfak and Kaimana regencies.

Covering a vast area of 38,820 square kilometers and home to over 600,000 individuals, Southwest Papua comprises five districts and a city, including Sorong regency, the city of Sorong itself, South Sorong regency, Maybrat regency, Tambrauw regency, and the Raja Ampat regency, known for its island paradise. Additionally, the province features a diverse range of landscapes from mountains to beaches, as well as a rich variety of cultures and wildlife.

Southwest Papua also boasts a diverse religious landscape. As of 2022, a majority of its population practices Christianity at 54.05 percent, and Catholicism at 7.16 percent. Islam also holds a significant presence in the province at 38.14 percent, while Hinduism and Buddhism each make up a smaller portion of the population with 0.1 percent each.

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Economic Description

In 2023, Southwest Papua's Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) surged to Rp 24 trillion, marking a significant milestone considering its status as a newly established province. Among the key contributing sectors, mining and quarrying emerged as a formidable player, generating Rp 3.1 trillion in GRDP. This sector, encompassing activities such as crude petroleum, natural gas, and geothermal exploration, accounted for a substantial portion of the province's overall economic output, with contributions totaling Rp 1.9 trillion.

Furthermore, the construction industry played a pivotal role in driving economic growth, contributing Rp 3 trillion to Southwest Papua's GRDP. This sector's robust performance reflects ongoing infrastructure development initiatives and investment projects across the province, signaling confidence in its prospects and development trajectory.

Additionally, the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors demonstrated resilience and stability, contributing Rp 2.8 trillion to the province’s GRDP in 2023. Southwest Papua holds promise for a thriving agricultural sector, with corn, peanuts, vegetables, sago, cattle, and chicken farming identified as areas with significant growth potential in the region.

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Latest News

September 16, 2025

Southwest Papua Governor Elisa Kambu inaugurated the change in status for the Domine Eduard Osok (DEO) Airport as an international airport at the Indonesian Navy Regional Command XIV in Sorong City, Southwest Papua during the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) on Aug. 17, 2025.

The launch was marked by the release of red and white balloons into the air by the governor along with Deputy Governor Ahmad Nausrau, Acting Southwest Papua Regional Secretary Yakob Kareth, regional government leaders, other members of the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda), the Indonesian Military (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (POLRI), the Southwest Papuan People's Consultative Assembly (MRP PBD), and other relevant parties.

Elisa stated that upgrading DEO Airport's status from a domestic airport to an international airport would create significant opportunities for Southwest Papua.

"DEO Airport has officially become an international airport. This will open direct flight access, including to Australia, Asia, and the Middle East. We hope it will become a new gateway that will bring progress to Southwest Papua," he added.

Elisa explained that the DEO Airport's international status facilitates transportation connectivity and strengthens Sorong City's position as an economic and tourism hub in Eastern Indonesia.

"In addition to improving public mobility, this international status will also attract investment, encourage trade, and strengthen the tourism sector. This is a historic moment and a special gift for the 80th anniversary of RI," she said.

The inauguration of DEO Airport as an international airport is considered a significant milestone in the development of Southwest Papua, which is among Indonesia's newest provinces.

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