World Report

SORONG

John Piet Wanane
Bupati of Sorong
‘We want to develop our maritime and nature tourism’

he shape of the island of Papua has led some people to compare it to a bird. Located on the very western tip of the island, the kabupaten of Sorong could be described as the bird’s beak.
It is a strategic position that the kabupaten has done its best to exploit, says John Piet Wanane, Bupati of Sorong. “We have a good economy as well as good infrastructure, transportation, water supplies, electricity and telecommunications,” he says.

The town of Sorong has grown rapidly due to the exploitation of oil during the 20th century. This expansion will continue thanks to the discovery of huge natural gas reserves in Bintuni Bay. The development of these reserves into a world-class liquid natural gas concern, known as the Tangguh Project, has made BP one of the largest foreign investors in Indonesia.

Tangguh has proven natural gas reserves of 14.4 trillion cubic feet (TCF) and additional probable reserves of 3.9 TCF. The project has the potential to drive the development of other parts of the Sorong economy.
“In the near future we want to supply the necessary materials for the Tangguh Project,” says Mr Wanane. “We may need investments in chicken and duck farms, vegetable gardens, rice fields and other essential supplies for people working on the project.”

Sorong is also developing its marine industries. Its fisheries produce at least a dozen different species. The most well-known are tuna, skipjack, mackerel, snapper and shark. Other marine products include crabs, shrimps, pearls, seaweed and sea cucumbers. The district also boasts crocodile and pearl farms.
“We want to develop the potential of our maritime and nature tourism,” says Mr Wanane. Sorong has massive potential as a diving site, with 610 islands off its coast. It boasts a ‘marine garden’ of approximately 96,500 square miles. The major islands are Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool, known collectively as the four kings.

“The people from the Tangguh Project don’t have to go to Singapore or elsewhere for a vacation. They can enjoy a holiday here in Sorong.”