Sorong Selatan Guide | Papua Barat | Indonesia

Sorong Selatan Guide | Papua Barat | Indonesia
source from internationalreport.net

Making the most of decentralization
South Sorong is showcasing an effective administration

A new dawn has risen for an ancient region of Indonesia. On February 7th 2007, the freshly renamed West Papua province entered a new chapter in its age-old existence. No longer carrying the Central Government-assigned name West Irian Jaya, the province’s new identity is also seen as an expression of the region’s cultural and development ambitions. It follows the Papua Special Autonomy Law passed by the Indonesian government in 2001, which aims to help spread the fruits of development evenly among the people of Papua by creating smaller, more manageable administrative areas.

For Mr. Otto Ihawaul, Bupati of Sorong Selatan, and Vice Bupati Tom Dedaida, it also represents a fresh approach to intergovernmental and international relations. The positive effect of Indonesia’s decentralization is clearly evident in South Sorong, likely one of the best-organized kabupatens in West Papua. "The most important factor in attracting investment is laying the groundwork so that companies find reasons to come here," stresses Regent Ihawaul. South Sorong has conducted extensive seismological surveys of the region, which revealed large deposits of gold, natural gas, oil, lime for cement, and phosphor. Currently only the gas is being exploited, by BP.

Although knowledge of these reserves is important, the Bupati says that it is necessary to have a functional infrastructure in place before investors can be expected to act. For this reason, the regency is conducting a large and continuing investment program in infrastructure. First, the authority is improving the road system and building bridges to counter recurring problems related to the wet season, and more importantly, a new road is being constructed that will reduce driving time to Kota Sorong from 8 hours to 2.5 hours. Additionally, South Sorong is redeveloping its airport and moving it to a better location, less prone to flooding. A larger airstrip will be capable of receiving Boeing 737's. The kabupaten’s seaport is also capable of handling large vessels. In general, Sorong Selatan is working towards full accessibility by land, air and sea, increasing opportunities for becoming a strategically located trading point.

The focus for investment, however, is on education and health. Bupati Ihawaul explains that the Dutch instilled a strong belief in the power of education. He refers to a number of people from Sorong Selatan who have gone on to reach important positions in Papua, including Papua’s former Governor, JP Salossa. South Sorong is building new schools in each of the regency’s 14 districts and introducing incentives for teachers. "We are really happy that the education process is running well, and we feel we have a big responsibility toward the society for this," says Otto Ihawaul smilingly. The health service currently lacks sufficient skills to treat all medical cases within the capital, Teminabuan, but a new hospital is being built and recruitment plans aim to train and hire better qualified medical staff so that patients can receive universal treatment without leaving the Kabupaten.

The economy has various facets that bode well for the future. Along with the mineral resources, there are vast tracts of land suitable for development of the logging industry. Ironwood and ebony are particularly abundant in the region, ideal for the furniture business. Fishing, especially for shrimps and crabs, is one of the mainstays of the economy, and the central government is financially supporting the expansion of the industry. The Bupati is mindful of the careful balance required within a natural resource-based economy, and has instigated an environmental protection plan to preserve the mangrove swamps. There is an economic incentive, too, as these swamps are vital to the large-scale breeding of shrimp.

The Bupati and Vice Bupati have a clear and sensible policy to achieve everything they have set out to do. Lowering the threshold of bureaucracy for the province’s people and investors is essential to this outlook. South Sorong has enjoyed a good relationship with Jakarta, making it easier to implement necessary programs, and the services offered to its people, especially the impoverished, have made it the fastest growing regency in Papua. Bupati Ihawual points out that he is eager to cooperate with investors "who can help empower the human resources" of South Sorong. Developing the area with respect for people and the environment will thus create a win-win situation.

Having formed the department of Tourism and Culture, the sector shows prospects, especially for eco-tourism, with flora and fauna attracting adventurers, and many suitable sites for amazing scuba diving trips. Teminabuan already boasts two hotels that cater to international tourists. As infrastructure projects near completion and the area becomes more accessible, the future looks very bright for Sorong Selatan.