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

December 26, 2025

As Christmas approaches, the Sorong City Government once again held a Santa Claus Carnival on Dec. 1, 2025. Thousands of people flocked along the carnival route which began in front of the Sorong City State Secondary Fisheries Business School (SUPM) and ended in the courtyard of the Sorong Mayor's Office.

This colorful annual event was officially opened by Sorong Mayor Septinus Lobat, who was accompanied by Deputy Mayor Ansar Karim, Sorong City Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) Speaker John Lewerisa, and representatives from the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police, and heads of regional government offices (OPD) in the Sorong City Government.

There were more than 130 participants of the carnival from various institutions, including national state-owned enterprises (SOEs), regional SOEs, OPDs, schools, universities, community organizations, and creative communities.

The participants showcased their creativity through decorated cars, red and green Christmas costumes, and various captivating attractions such as dancing, ukulele performances, drum bands, and Christmas-themed theatrical performances.

Despite the pouring rain, the participants' enthusiasm remained unwavering. The atmosphere became even more festive when the Pasmar 3 group performed a dance, followed by dozens of children who danced merrily in the pouring rain, adding to the joyous atmosphere typical of Christmas celebrations.

Sorong Mayor Septinus Lobat, in his remarks, stated that the theme of this year's carnival was "The Father is Present to Save the Family," emphasizing the presence of Jesus as the bringer of peace, compassion, and brotherhood for all peoples and families in Sorong City.

"I hope all Sorong residents welcome the month of Christmas with joy and peace. Christmas is a time to strengthen brotherhood, mutual respect, and maintain harmony among residents," said the Mayor.

The Santa Claus Carnival is also a competition where several categories were judged, including the best decorated car and best performance, with the Sorong Mayor's Trophy as the grand prize.

The crowd continued to enjoy the carnival until the end of the event, making this early December celebration in Sorong City filled with a Christmas atmosphere of warmth and togetherness.

The Santa Claus Carnival concluded with the launching of fireworks, which further added to the joy of Christmas 2025.

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