Papua is once again at the center of a national and international conversation about development, sustainability, and economic direction. This time, the focus is not on large scale oil palm plantations, but on an alternative that many Papuan leaders believe better reflects the region’s ecological character and social fabric. On 17 January 2026, Billy Mambrasar, a member of the Executive Committee of the President of the Republic of Indonesia for Papua Special Autonomy, initiated a meeting with representatives of the British Embassy in Jakarta to explore cooperation and potential investment in cocoa and coffee plantations in Kepulauan Yapen Regency, Papua.
The initiative marks a strategic shift in how Papua’s economic future is being framed. Rather than continuing to rely on extractive or land intensive industries that have generated public debate and environmental concern, Mambrasar is advocating for commodity development that emphasizes sustainability, smallholder participation, and value added exports. Cocoa and coffee, two crops with long global demand chains, are increasingly viewed as viable engines of inclusive growth for Papua’s rural communities.
A Diplomatic Meeting With Economic Implications
Billy Mambrasar’s meeting with representatives of the British Embassy was not a ceremonial exchange, but a targeted discussion focused on economic cooperation. According to reports, Mambrasar presented Papua’s potential in cocoa and coffee cultivation, particularly in Kepulauan Yapen, as an opportunity for mutually beneficial partnership between local producers and international investors.
The British side was briefed on Papua’s geographic advantages, soil fertility, and climate conditions that are well suited for high quality cocoa and specialty coffee. Mambrasar emphasized that these commodities already have strong recognition in European markets and align with global consumer preferences for ethically sourced and environmentally responsible products.
The discussion also touched on the importance of responsible investment models. Mambrasar underscored that Papua is seeking partners who are committed to long term development, technology transfer, and community empowerment, rather than short term profit extraction.
Why Cocoa and Coffee Instead of Palm Oil
Mambrasar’s primary contention is that cocoa and coffee present a more suitable developmental trajectory for Papua than oil palm plantations. The cultivation of palm oil has generated considerable controversy within Papua, frequently linked to deforestation, land conflicts, and social discord.
Mambrasar, along with other Papuan stakeholders, posits that cocoa and coffee plantations can be established on a smaller scale, incorporated into current agricultural practices, and overseen by local farmers. These crops necessitate less extensive land clearing compared to oil palm, thereby aligning more closely with Papua’s forest conservation objectives.
Furthermore, cocoa and coffee possess significant cultural and economic potential. Agriculture centered on smallholders enables indigenous Papuans to maintain control over their land while simultaneously engaging in global value chains.
This approach aligns well with the objectives of Special Autonomy, which prioritize local empowerment and ownership.
Kepulauan Yapen: A Strategic Hub
Kepulauan Yapen Regency has become a key area for this agricultural initiative. Situated off Papua’s northern coast, the regency boasts fertile soil, a favorable climate, and a tradition of small-scale farming. Local officials are keen on cultivating cocoa and coffee as key products to boost the regional economy.
Reports suggest that Mambrasar has been working closely with the Kepulauan Yapen administration to ensure local development plans are in sync with national Special Autonomy programs. This involves pinpointing appropriate land, enhancing farmer skills, and establishing regulatory frameworks that encourage sustainable investment.
The island’s geography offers logistical benefits for agriculture focused on exports, especially those aimed at global markets. With the right infrastructure improvements, Yapen’s cocoa and coffee could become viable export products.
Connecting Special Autonomy with Sustainable Development
Mambrasar, a member of the Presidential Executive Committee for Papua Special Autonomy, has repeatedly stressed that Special Autonomy funds and policies should be channeled into long-term, productive sectors. He believes that agriculture centered on cocoa and coffee is a perfect fit for the principles of Special Autonomy.
Special Autonomy aims to lessen reliance on central government transfers by fostering local economic growth. Sustainable development of cocoa and coffee plantations can provide communities with a steady income, bolster downstream processing industries, and boost regional export revenues.
Mambrasar believes Papua’s economic future needs to shift away from models that simply encourage consumption. By channeling resources into productive areas like agriculture, Papua can generate employment, keep wealth within its borders, and fortify itself against economic downturns.
The Involvement of International Partners
The collaboration with the British Embassy is part of a larger plan to draw in international partners, offering both financial backing and specialized knowledge. The United Kingdom’s experience in cocoa and coffee, along with its established standards for sustainability, traceability, and ethical sourcing, is particularly valuable.
Mambrasar has pointed out that working with British stakeholders could involve training for farmers, certification initiatives, processing technology, and access to higher-end markets. These components are essential for ensuring Papuan cocoa and coffee can hold its own on the world stage.
International partnerships are also viewed as a means to boost Papua’s agricultural standing, connecting local farmers with global markets that value both quality and environmentally sound practices.
Community-Based Agriculture: The Central Focus
A key element of Mambrasar’s plan is its focus on community-based agriculture. Instead of pushing for large estates managed by outside companies, the proposed model puts smallholders and cooperatives at the forefront.
This approach would provide farmers with technical support, access to funding, and assured market connections, all while allowing them to keep their land. The hope is that this structure will lessen social tensions and ensure a fairer distribution of economic gains.
Local authorities in Kepulauan Yapen have expressed their backing for this model, seeing it as a way to bolster rural economies without disrupting traditional land ownership.
Environmental sustainability constitutes a further fundamental aspect of the cocoa and coffee initiative. Papua, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, faces heightened scrutiny regarding development strategies from both national and global stakeholders.
Mambrasar posits that cocoa and coffee cultivation can be incorporated into agroforestry frameworks, thereby safeguarding tree cover and biodiversity. These systems align with international climate obligations and could potentially establish Papua as a frontrunner in sustainable tropical agriculture.
Conversely, the expansion of oil palm cultivation has frequently been condemned for its role in deforestation. Consequently, the transition towards cocoa and coffee production also serves as a strategic response to international environmental expectations.
Addressing the Palm Oil Debate in Papua
This effort also directly engages with the ongoing discussions surrounding palm oil’s presence in Papua. Though palm oil is undeniably a major player in Indonesia’s economy, its growth in Papua has been met with pushback from both civil society and indigenous groups.
Mambrasar’s position doesn’t outright ban palm oil, but it does question whether it’s the best path forward for Papua. He’s made it clear that development decisions should be tailored to the specific needs, values, and long-term viability of the region, rather than relying on a single, uniform approach.
By championing cocoa and coffee, Mambrasar is presenting a different story, one that positions Papua as a source of valuable, environmentally conscious products, rather than a place for sprawling, land-hungry plantations.
Local Government Alignment and Policy Support
The Yapen Islands Regency administration has expressed its support for Mambrasar’s proposal, actively seeking to incorporate cocoa and coffee cultivation into its regional development strategies. This effort involves aligning with national strategic initiatives and providing clear regulations to attract investors.
Local leaders have stressed the importance of meticulous planning to prevent the pitfalls observed in other areas, such as inequitable land distribution or insufficient supervision. The participation of the Presidential Executive Committee is anticipated to enhance collaboration between central and local government bodies.
Looking Ahead
While the cocoa and coffee initiative holds promise, it also confronts several hurdles. These include infrastructural deficiencies, limited access to capital, the need to build farmer expertise, and the inherent volatility of the market.
Building a thriving agricultural sector demands both consistent investment and robust institutional backing.
Mambrasar has recognized these hurdles, yet he maintains a hopeful outlook. He is convinced that, with the right allies and strategic policies, Papua can navigate these difficulties and cultivate a strong agricultural economy.
A Vision for Papua’s Economic Future
Billy Mambrasar’s collaboration with the British Embassy embodies a larger vision for Papua’s future. This vision emphasizes sustainability, community empowerment, and equitable integration into global markets.
By focusing on cocoa and coffee as key commodities, Papua aims to reshape its development story.
Papua, rather than being viewed solely as a region reliant on extractive industries, has the potential to become a producer of high-quality agricultural goods, grounded in ecological equilibrium and cultural sensitivity.
Conclusion
Billy Mambrasar’s undertaking to involve the British Embassy in cocoa and coffee development within Kepulauan Yapen constitutes a pivotal juncture in Papua’s economic dialogue. This action underscores a transition towards sustainable, community-focused development, harmonizing with both local objectives and international patterns.
The efficacy of this initiative will be contingent upon efficient coordination, prudent investment practices, and authentic community engagement as discussions advance. Should this be achieved, cocoa and coffee could serve as potent emblems of Papua’s capacity to determine its own trajectory towards inclusive and sustainable prosperity.