A vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and local enterprise took center stage as the Torang Creative and Ecotourism Festival 2025 officially opened in West Papua on June 20, 2025. The event, held under the theme of economic empowerment through cultural richness, marks a significant step toward strengthening the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the province’s economic development.
Organized by Bank Indonesia (BI) Representative Office of West Papua in collaboration with regional governments and local communities, the festival not only spotlights the cultural and ecological diversity of Papua but also promotes locally made products, tourism potential, and sustainable entrepreneurship.
A Platform for Local Businesses
Held in Manokwari and other key districts, the Torang Festival—short for “Torang Creative and Ecotourism Festival”—has been a magnet for hundreds of MSMEs, artisans, and culinary vendors across West Papua. From traditional Papuan cuisine to handcrafted textiles, herbal products, and innovative coconut- and nutmeg-based items, the festival serves as an open marketplace to showcase the economic potential rooted in local wisdom.
Yunita Resmi Sari, Head of Bank Indonesia West Papua, emphasized that this festival is more than a celebration—it is a concrete manifestation of BI’s commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth. “Through this event, we encourage digital financial literacy, green economy practices, and expand market access for MSMEs,” she said during the opening ceremony.
Boosting Ecotourism and the Creative Economy
In line with the government’s national agenda to develop ecotourism as a pillar of sustainable growth, the festival blends cultural performances, art installations, nature excursions, and creative exhibitions to highlight West Papua’s unique allure. With its rich biodiversity and Indigenous cultures, West Papua is poised to become a premium ecotourism destination.
Local dance troupes, Papuan music ensembles, and fashion designers featuring traditional motifs infused with contemporary styles captivated audiences, while workshops on storytelling and sustainable crafts were met with enthusiasm by local youth and entrepreneurs.
The presence of nutmeg products from Tomandin Village, known for its quality spices, drew particular attention from visitors and buyers alike. These agro-based MSMEs, which often go unnoticed, now enjoy newfound visibility thanks to the exposure the festival provides.
Collaboration with Regional Governments
The success of the Torang Festival owes much to collaboration. **Two regional administrations—Manokwari Regency and Southwest Papua Province—**joined Bank Indonesia in ensuring inclusive participation from across the province’s rural and coastal communities. This partnership is seen as a blueprint for future economic programs involving public-private-people collaboration.
“We must prioritize the economic empowerment of local actors,” said Southwest Papua Acting Governor, Mohamad Musa’ad, during the festival’s kick-off. “With the right platforms, MSMEs in Papua can compete on the national and even international stage.”
Digital and Green Transitions for MSMEs
In addition to promoting local products, the festival also functioned as an educational arena. Bank Indonesia introduced a series of digitalization initiatives, including QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) for MSMEs, to enable safer and more efficient transactions.
Financial technology providers and digital marketing experts held clinics to help small business owners adopt e-commerce tools, tap into new markets, and improve supply chain logistics.
Another key focus was green economy education—participants were encouraged to adopt sustainable practices in packaging, sourcing, and production to align with global environmental trends.
Economic Impact and Future Plans
Early estimates from local authorities suggest that the festival has significantly boosted income for small traders. Several vendors reported earning multiple times their usual daily revenue, thanks to the influx of visitors, both local and international.
Rosmini, a food vendor selling sago-based delicacies, said the festival changed her business outlook. “In just a few days, I sold more than I usually do in a month. It’s not just about money—it’s about pride and recognition of Papuan food,” she said with a smile.
Looking forward, Bank Indonesia and local stakeholders aim to institutionalize the Torang Festival as an annual program and expand its scope to include MSME exchange across Eastern Indonesia. They also plan to introduce business matchmaking sessions and investment forums to connect Papuan entrepreneurs with investors and broader networks.
A Festival of Identity and Resilience
Amid the backdrop of national discourse around Papuan development, the Torang Festival stands out as a positive, ground-up initiative. It reflects a broader movement where local identity and entrepreneurial spirit serve as vehicles for peace, prosperity, and self-reliance.
As visitors wandered among stalls decorated with woven palm, smelled the fragrance of nutmeg-based oils, and listened to the hypnotic rhythm of Tifa drums, it became clear: West Papua’s strength lies not only in its resources but also in the creativity and resilience of its people.
In a region too often overshadowed by political and security issues, the Torang Creative and Ecotourism Festival 2025 is a vibrant reminder that hope and opportunity continue to thrive—one small business at a time.
Conclusion
The Torang Creative and Ecotourism Festival 2025 successfully demonstrated how cultural celebration can drive real economic impact in West Papua. By providing a platform for MSMEs to showcase their products, embrace digital tools, and connect with broader markets, the festival helped boost local income, build business confidence, and strengthen community pride.
Backed by Bank Indonesia and regional governments, the event highlighted the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and inclusive development. More than just a festival, it became a symbol of Papua’s creative resilience and a model for how grassroots empowerment can contribute to long-term regional growth and national unity.
