The government of Biak Numfor Regency in Papua aims to leverage its maritime and tourism sectors to establish Biak as a key economic growth center in the Pacific region. "Biak's diverse fisheries, if managed well, will bring economic benefits to the indigenous Papuan communities," said Michael Isir, Head of Biak Numfor's Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), on Wednesday, 19 June 2024. Isir emphasized that the long-term regional development plan for 2025-2045 prioritizes the maritime sector as a strategic focus for the local economy. The geographic richness of Biak Numfor, abundant in maritime resources, presents a promising economic opportunity in the Pacific area. "The maritime sector in Biak is a strategic issue, addressing population and labor, education, health, youth sports, extreme poverty prevention, and culture," Isir stated.
Other strategic policies include women's empowerment, child protection, public infrastructure, housing, settlement improvement, and information enhancement. Additionally, the plan covers environmental economic development, political and democratic stability, public security, village and community empowerment, and governance and financial regulations. Isir highlighted the need to anticipate challenges in realizing Indonesia's vision for 2025-2045, as Biak Numfor is set to benefit from a demographic bonus with the emergence of a 'golden generation' of Gen Z and millennial Indonesians. Through these flagship programs, the goal is to foster an intelligent, healthy, productive, safe, and peaceful generation of Papuans.
