Jakarta, TempoTimur.com — The Provincial Government of West Papua is exploring the strengthening of international cooperation with the Government of the United Kingdom in the fields of environmental protection, energy, education, research, and sustainable development.
This was discussed during a meeting between the Governor of West Papua, Drs. Dominggus Mandacan, M.Si, and the British Ambassador to Indonesia, Dominic Jermey CVO, OBE, on Tuesday (February 3, 2026).
The meeting, which took place at 1:00 p.m. WIB at the official residence of the British Ambassador in Kuningan, South Jakarta, was also attended by several heads of Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD) of the West Papua Provincial Government.
One of the main agendas of the meeting was the discussion of preparations for two major international events to be held in Manokwari, namely the 12th International Flora Malesiana Symposium and the International Nature-Based Climate Solutions Conference, scheduled for 9–14 February 2026.
In addition, the meeting opened dialogue on potential bilateral cooperation opportunities to support the sustainable development agenda in West Papua.
Cooperation between the West Papua Provincial Government and the British Embassy has been established since Governor Dominggus Mandacan’s first term in office for the period 2017–2022.
One of the most significant milestones of this partnership was the Manokwari Declaration, which reaffirmed West Papua’s strong commitment to forest conservation and environmental protection as part of its contribution to global efforts to address climate change.
During the meeting, both parties discussed the progress of the implementation of the Manokwari Declaration, including achievements to date, existing challenges, and potential forms of support from the UK Government through relevant ministries.
The British Embassy conveyed that preliminary discussions are currently underway with Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry regarding programs for data collection and registration of customary forests in several regions of Papua.
Responding to this, Governor Dominggus Mandacan explained that the commitments outlined in the Manokwari Declaration have been translated into concrete regional policies.
The West Papua Provincial Government has finalized its Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW), which refers to the national spatial plan while also accommodating district and municipal plans. Under this framework, 70 percent of forest areas are designated for protection, while 50 percent of marine areas are conserved, guided by principles of sustainable use.
The Governor further emphasized that West Papua has a strong legal foundation under Special Autonomy, including Government Regulation No. 106 and 23 Special Regional Regulations (Perdasus), several of which specifically regulate customary forests. Supporting derivative regulations have been prepared and are currently in the implementation phase.
On the occasion, Governor Dominggus Mandacan formally invited the British Ambassador to attend the international conferences in Manokwari. The invitation was positively received, with the Ambassador expressing appreciation for West Papua’s strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
During the discussion, the British Ambassador also inquired about West Papua’s development priorities, particularly efforts to align the Manokwari Declaration agenda with national government policies.
Responding to this, the Head of the West Papua Regional Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA), Prof. Dr. Charlie D. Heatubun, S.Hut., M.Si, explained that West Papua promotes a Ridge to Reef landscape-based development approach.
This approach aims to ensure that national development programs, including food and energy security, remain aligned with biodiversity conservation and the strengthening of indigenous peoples’ rights. One example of its implementation is the development of Kwau Tourism Village as a pilot project.
In the field of research and innovation, the West Papua Provincial Government has also established cooperation with the Royal Botanic Gardens in mapping and designating important plant areas. This collaboration serves as a key reference in regional spatial planning, particularly in determining protected areas and zones that may be utilized for development.
“These protected areas are rich in endemic plant species as well as valuable flora and fauna that must be preserved, while also holding potential to increase community income through the development of sustainable economic activities,” said the Head of BRIDA West Papua.
During the dialogue, the British Ambassador also raised the issue of British Petroleum (BP) operations in West Papua. Governor Dominggus Mandacan explained that BP’s presence was preceded by a long consultative process involving indigenous communities and that it now operates while contributing to the regional economy.
The Governor specifically requested the support of the UK Government regarding the realization of the 10 percent participating interest (PI), which is expected to be disbursed in the first quarter of 2026. The funds are considered crucial to support regional development and community empowerment, particularly in areas affected by the oil and gas industry.
Furthermore, the West Papua Provincial Government continues efforts to increase regional original revenue (PAD) through the establishment of regionally owned enterprises (BUMD) and gas sales cooperation with BP Tangguh, with the aim of strengthening fiscal independence and creating more employment opportunities for local communities.
“We hope that local community empowerment will continue to be enhanced, especially through training and skills development programs, so that Papuan workers are better prepared and dependence on external labor can be reduced,” the Governor stated.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the British Ambassador offered scholarship opportunities to the United Kingdom for Papuan students. The year 2026 marks an initial milestone, with applications submitted by indigenous Papuan students to pursue higher education in the UK.
“This is the first time indigenous Papuans have applied for scholarships to study in the United Kingdom. We hope that in the future, more students from West Papua will continue their studies at universities in the UK,” said Dominic Jermey.
Governor Dominggus Mandacan welcomed the offer and expressed hope that West Papua could prepare its younger generation to take advantage of international education opportunities and later return to contribute to regional development.
The Governor was accompanied at the meeting by several OPD leaders, including the Head of BRIDA West Papua, the Inspector of West Papua, the Head of the Communication, Informatics, Statistics and Encryption Office, the Head of the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Office, and the Head of the West Papua Regional Liaison Agency.
Penulis : Amatus Rahakbauw, K
