Bahasa classes strengthen PNG–Indonesia ties

The launch of the second Bahasa Indonesia classes in Vanimo is expected to strengthen the long-standing partnership between Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and West Sepik Province.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, representatives from Indonesia and the West Sepik Provincial Administration highlighted the importance of language in building stronger people-to-people connections, education opportunities, business links, and cross-border cooperation.

Indonesia continues to support West Sepik through various ventures. Recently, a women’s group in Vanimo was in Jayapura to learn business through cooking. And this Bahasa training breaks down the communication barrier between people of Indonesia and PNG.

“Papua New Guinea and Indonesia share a common future. Through our education and learning centre, we can strengthen this relation,” said Okto Dorinus Manis, the Ambassador of Indonesia to PNG.

The 3-month classes will allow students, public servants, and interested community members to learn Bahasa Indonesia, helping improve communication and understanding between neighbouring communities on both sides of the border.

Leaders at the event said learning each other's language is an important step towards strengthening friendship, cooperation, and development opportunities between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea