T

he Papua provincial administration will hold the Ekspose Papua exhibition in Jakarta in a bid to draw the interest of investors to do business in the province as well as showcase the achievements of 10 years of Papua’s special autonomy.

The exhibition will involve all provincial agencies (SKPD) and businesses in Papua, such as PT Freeport Indonesia, as well as all regency and city administrations, in a display of handicrafts and goods from Papua.

“The exhibition will be held on April 1-7 at the Jakarta Convention Center,” said interim Papua Governor Constant Karma in Jayapura recently.

He said Papua’s resources had yet to be tapped into fully, forcing the province to import goods from other provinces.

“With investments, much of the potential could be tapped into, creating job opportunities and improving economic growth,” he added.

“In Papua, we don’t have industries to produce the goods that we need. We even bring in eggs from outside. Why don’t we produce them in Papua? This will not only create jobs but will also lower prices.”

The expo will also display potential in the tourist industry as well as traditional arts and crafts, especially the multi-function bag noken.

”We will make a large noken and also bring a various types noken that have already been recognized as a part of world heritage,” Constant said.

In addition to seminars and business meetings, the expo will also feature Papuan batik and works of art, such as Asmat sculptures and various other traditional crafts.

Constant said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his ministers were expected to attend the event.