In the lush, resource-rich region of Papua, a quiet but powerful transformation is taking root — one that centers not on politics or infrastructure, but on women. The Papuan People’s Council (Majelis Rakyat Papua or MRP) has emerged as a strong advocate for empowering women entrepreneurs to embrace digitalization. This move aims to help local women, many of whom operate micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to tap into broader markets and gain economic independence in an increasingly connected world.
The initiative reflects a growing realization within Papua’s leadership that empowering women is not just a social cause — it is a key driver for sustainable development. The MRP’s recent calls for greater digital literacy and structured mentoring for female business owners highlight a crucial intersection between cultural preservation, modern technology, and inclusive growth.
Digital Opportunities for Women MSMEs in Papua
Papua’s women have long been central to local economies — producing traditional crafts, cultivating agricultural products, and managing small-scale trading. However, geographic isolation and limited infrastructure have historically restricted their access to wider markets. According to the MRP, digitalization now offers a unique window of opportunity to bridge this divide.
By leveraging e-commerce platforms and social media, women entrepreneurs in Papua can reach national and even international audiences. The MRP’s encouragement for female MSMEs to utilize digital tools is not only a push for modernization but also a strategic step to enhance local resilience. With the right training and digital infrastructure, a small handicraft business in Wamena could find buyers in Jakarta or even abroad, amplifying income and cultural visibility.
Yet, as MRP member Yuliana Rumbairusy emphasized, seizing this opportunity requires more than access to the internet — it demands continuous support and capacity building. Many women, particularly in rural areas, still face challenges in understanding how to use online marketplaces, manage digital payments, and build sustainable supply chains. The MRP’s focus, therefore, lies in creating structured mentorship programs that blend practical business knowledge with digital skill development.
Bridging the Digital Divide
While digitalization offers vast potential, the reality in Papua remains complex. Connectivity gaps persist across much of the province, and digital infrastructure often lags behind the national average. The MRP acknowledges this digital divide as a central obstacle that must be overcome through collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and civil society organizations.
Several Indonesian ministries, including the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and the Ministry of Communication and Digital, have already launched programs aimed at expanding internet access and providing digital training for local entrepreneurs. However, the MRP insists that Papuan women require more localized, culturally sensitive approaches. Digital literacy initiatives should respect local languages, traditions, and community values to ensure genuine inclusion rather than surface-level participation.
Furthermore, the MRP has highlighted that digitalization must not only serve economic purposes but also function as a tool for cultural preservation. By promoting indigenous products and traditional crafts through online platforms, Papuan women can introduce their unique artistry to global audiences, strengthening pride in local identity while driving income growth.
MRP’s Role in Advocacy and Capacity Building
The MRP, as an institution mandated to protect the rights and cultural integrity of indigenous Papuans, plays a pivotal role in promoting inclusive development. Its advocacy for women-led MSMEs reflects a broader commitment to gender equality and community empowerment. The Council’s initiatives focus on three main pillars: advocacy for access, capacity development, and institutional collaboration.
First, the MRP seeks to influence both regional and national policies to ensure that digital transformation programs in Papua prioritize women entrepreneurs. This includes pushing for budget allocations, improving internet infrastructure, and supporting the establishment of training centers specifically targeting women-owned businesses.
Second, the Council aims to strengthen mentorship systems by collaborating with universities, NGOs, and private-sector actors. These partnerships can offer hands-on assistance — from teaching social media marketing to managing e-commerce logistics. Such capacity building, the MRP believes, can create a ripple effect that transforms entire communities.
Third, the MRP encourages local governments to institutionalize support mechanisms for MSMEs. For instance, district administrations could develop integrated service centers where women can access digital tools, market information, and business consultation. These local-level innovations are vital to ensure that empowerment is not merely aspirational but actionable.
Voices from the Ground: Women at the Center of Change
For many Papuan women, the MRP’s advocacy represents hope and recognition. Maria, a small business owner from Manokwari who produces organic herbal oils, shared that the lack of access to digital marketing previously limited her sales to local buyers. “I didn’t know how to promote my products online. But after joining a digital training program, I started selling on Instagram and Shopee. Now, I receive orders from Java and Sulawesi,” she said.
Such stories underline the transformative impact of digital empowerment. With the right support, even small-scale entrepreneurs can scale their operations, diversify income, and inspire others within their communities. The MRP’s vision, therefore, goes beyond economic development — it seeks to nurture confidence, self-reliance, and social leadership among Papuan women.
The Role of Digital Literacy in Inclusive Growth
Digital literacy is not merely about learning to use a smartphone or open an online shop. It encompasses understanding digital ethics, consumer rights, cybersecurity, and online financial management. The MRP’s call for comprehensive mentoring reflects a holistic view of what it means to be digitally empowered.
By fostering digital competency, women entrepreneurs can protect themselves from online fraud, manage electronic transactions safely, and build credible business reputations. Moreover, digital fluency opens pathways to collaboration — connecting women across islands to exchange ideas, share best practices, and form cooperative networks. In this sense, digital literacy becomes both a tool for empowerment and a bridge for solidarity among women nationwide.
Partnerships for Sustainable Empowerment
To translate its vision into lasting change, the MRP has called for multi-stakeholder collaboration. The Council encourages partnerships with financial institutions, e-commerce companies, and tech start-ups to create integrated digital ecosystems tailored for Papuan MSMEs.
For example, banks could design microcredit schemes that cater specifically to female entrepreneurs, while technology companies could develop localized digital training modules. NGOs and universities, meanwhile, could assist in monitoring progress and ensuring that programs align with local needs. Such collaborative models, the MRP asserts, will make digital transformation sustainable rather than temporary.
The involvement of major digital platforms — such as Tokopedia, Shopee, and Bukalapak — could also be instrumental in giving Papuan products a broader online presence. Highlighting Papua’s diverse crafts, foods, and cultural items on national e-commerce platforms would not only enhance visibility but also reinforce Indonesia’s commitment to equitable development.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite growing momentum, several challenges remain. Limited infrastructure, high logistics costs, and uneven digital access still constrain many entrepreneurs. Additionally, socio-cultural factors — including traditional gender roles and limited financial literacy — can hinder women’s participation in the digital economy.
To address these challenges, the MRP emphasizes the need for consistent policy alignment between regional and national agencies. Infrastructure development must go hand in hand with human resource investment. Furthermore, success should be measured not merely by the number of digital users but by the sustainability of their enterprises and their contribution to local welfare.
The Council also recognizes that empowerment cannot be achieved in isolation. True digital transformation in Papua requires a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates technology, culture, and community trust. The process must respect indigenous values while embracing innovation — a delicate balance that defines Papua’s unique developmental trajectory.
Conclusion
The MRP’s push to empower Papuan women entrepreneurs through digitalization represents a forward-looking vision of equality and progress. It aligns with Indonesia’s broader goal of inclusive national development, ensuring that no region or group is left behind in the era of digital transformation.
By merging tradition with technology, Papuan women stand at the forefront of a new economic narrative — one that celebrates resilience, creativity, and unity. As digital pathways continue to expand, the empowerment of women in Papua may well become one of Indonesia’s most inspiring success stories — a testament to the power of inclusion, the spirit of innovation, and the promise of a truly connected archipelago.
