Papua – Central Papua, one of Indonesia’s newest provinces created through expansion from Papua Province in 2022, is now facing further expansion plans. With an area of 312,224.37 square kilometers, Central Papua covers most of Papua Island, which totals 421,981 square kilometers.
One of the strategic initiatives being designed is the implementation of the New Autonomous Region Candidate (CDOB) for the period 2022-2024. In order to support equitable development and accelerate services to the community, the proposal to form Papua Nemangkawi Province has begun to emerge. If realized, Papua Nemangkawi will become a new province with the capital planned in Timika.
Timika was chosen as the potential capital city of Papua Nemangkawi Province because of its strategic location and adequate infrastructure. As a center of mining activity, especially with the presence of PT Freeport Indonesia, Timika has become an economic driver in the Central Papua region. This potential can be expanded to include various other sectors, such as tourism, trade and services.
The establishment of Papua Nemangkawi Province aims to accelerate development, improve the accessibility of public services, and optimize the potential of natural resources. With a new center of government in Timika, it is hoped that equitable development can be realized in the region.
If this plan goes ahead, Papua Nemangkawi Province will consist of four new autonomous regions:
- Timika City
- East Mimika Regency
- West Mimika Regency
- Mimika Regency
Each of these regions is designed to have its own development focus, so that they can complement each other in driving the economy of the new province.
The establishment of Papua Nemangkawi Province is inseparable from opportunities and challenges. On the opportunity side, Timika’s existence as an economic center offers a strong base to support the new province. Existing infrastructure also provides a solid foundation for further development.
However, challenges include human resource readiness, financing additional infrastructure development, and managing potential social conflicts that may arise as a result of regional expansion. In addition, coordination between the central government, local governments and indigenous communities is key to the success of this plan.
