PAPUA – The Skouw Cross Border Post (PLBN) managed by the National Border Management Agency (BNPP) shows great potential to become a new economic growth center in Papua due to the factor of increasing the value of Indonesia – Papua New Guinea trade exports through PLBN Skouw.
This was conveyed by the Head of Jayapura Customs Adeltus Lolok through a discussion in the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) which said that the Indonesia – Papua New Guinea trade surplus through PLBN Skouw recorded an increase of Rp12.68 billion until April 2024.
“In addition, two customs areas have been established by the Minister of Finance, in Skouw, namely PLBN Skouw and the International Goods Terminal (TBI), therefore the potential for a new economy is very open,” said Adeltus.
Adeltus added that the PLBN has a significant role as a driver of economic growth in the border region. According to him, the ease of export procedures for entrepreneurs in Indonesia is an important factor in increasing the competitiveness of domestic products in the international market.
“We have opened the Export Clinic program to help people understand the export process and encourage their interest in doing business across borders,” he explained.
Through the FGD with the theme “Advancing the Trade Economy on the RI – PNG Border” and held in the Meeting Room of the Skouw PLBN Office, it is proof of the commitment of synergy between agencies in supporting and striving for the Skouw PLBN to become a new trade center.
Meanwhile, Head of PLBN Skouw Mathilda Pusung revealed that the construction of PLBN Skouw is a form of government commitment in implementing equitable development and economic growth, as well as strengthening the security and defense sector in the state border area.
“Therefore, supporting factors such as the increasing trade surplus, the establishment of customs areas by the central government, to the availability of adequate supporting facilities, are a major influence on the new economic growth center at PLBN Skouw.
Cooperation between agencies, continued Mathilda, is also needed to maximize the potential for economic growth at PLBN Skouw, and can create a conducive investment climate.
“Government support for economic growth in border areas is also needed, such as efforts to facilitate export procedures for entrepreneurs including the Export Clinic program,” she said.
He also emphasized that in the future, PLBN Skouw will not only function as a gateway for the traffic of people and goods, but also as a center of economic and social activities that can improve the welfare of the surrounding community.
With enormous potential and support from various parties, PLBN Skouw is believed to be the driving force of the economy in the border region and contribute to the overall economic growth of Papua.
