West Papua Governor Dominggus Mandacan co-chaired the bilateral discussions with British Ambassador to Indonesia Dominic Jermey in Jakarta on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
In a statement received in Manokwari on Wednesday, Mandacan noted that discussions centered on the Manokwari Declaration, established during his first tenure (2017–2022) to underscore the province's commitment to sustainable development.
He said both sides exchanged views on the progress and challenges of the declaration's implementation, with the British government offering support through coordination with ministries in Jakarta.
Mandacan added that the provincial government has translated the declaration into a regional spatial planning framework (RTRW), which designates 70 percent of West Papua’s forestland as protected and promotes responsible use for 50 percent of its marine area.
"Our RTRW document aligns with those issued at the district and national levels," Mandacan affirmed.
He further remarked that the central government has granted West Papua the authority to designate forestland as customary areas to strengthen local protection.
The governor noted that the British Embassy responded positively and is coordinating with the Ministry of Forestry on the registration of customary forests.
“I have also invited the British ambassador to attend two international events in Manokwari on February 9–14, 2026,” he added.
These include the 12th International Flora Malesiana Symposium—focused on detailed discussions of floral diversity preservation—and the International Nature-Based Climate Solutions Conference, which will highlight measures to address climate change impacts.
Head of the West Papua Research and Innovation Agency, Charlie Heatubun, said the province had partnered with the UK-based Royal Botanic Gardens to map areas hosting plants of significant value, enabling the formulation of spatial planning policies accordingly.
He also highlighted the Kwau Tourist Village as a pilot for the "ridge-to-reef" concept, balancing food and energy security with local biodiversity.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Jermey expressed Britain’s eagerness to welcome indigenous Papuan students to the UK under scholarship programs, hoping that more students from West Papua will enroll in British universities.
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Translator: Fransiskus S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
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