Jayapura training empowers SME Mamas

Cooking Class of SME Mamas from West Sepik in SMK Negeri 1, Jayapura *(Image: Supplied)*

Women from West Sepik Province have returned home with new cooking and business skills after taking part in a special training program in Jayapura, aimed at helping small business mothers grow their income and support their communities.

The four-day cooking class, held from 24 to 26 May 2026, was organized by the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia in Vanimo together with the Government of West Sepik Province, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Port Moresby and SMK Negeri 1 Jayapura.

Eight women representing MSME and SME groups from West Sepik joined the program. The training focused on preparing Indonesian-style food using local ingredients such as sago, bananas, cassava, taro, chicken and sausages. The women learned practical cooking methods and food presentation skills that they can now use to start or improve small food businesses back home.

The opening ceremony was held at Mercure Hotel Jayapura and attended by Indonesian and Papua New Guinean officials, including Indonesian Consul Mr. Alexander Tangkuman, representatives from West Sepik Province, education officers and school leaders from Jayapura.

For many of the participants, the training was more than just learning recipes. It was an opportunity to gain confidence and explore ways to create income for their families through local food products.

Officials said the program is part of ongoing cooperation between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea in education and vocational training. The initiative follows the education Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024 between former Indonesian Education Minister Nadiem Makarim and PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko.

West Sepik representatives welcomed the program and expressed hope that more vocational training opportunities will be introduced in the future, especially for women and young people living in border communities.

At the closing ceremony on 26 May, participants received encouragement to use their new skills to build small food businesses using resources already available in their villages and communities.

The training is also expected to strengthen cultural ties and people-to-people relations between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea while supporting women’s economic empowerment in border areas.