Nabire, a coastal regency in Papua, holds significant potential in coconut commodities. For generations, local communities have relied on coconut harvests, which are processed into copra, a high-value derivative product. In recent years, global demand for copra and its byproducts, such as coconut oil, has seen an upward trend. However, coconut farmers on Papua’s small islands have yet to fully benefit from this growing demand. The high cost of transporting goods from islands to urban centers significantly reduces their profit margins, often leaving farmers with little to no income after covering transportation expenses.
To address this issue, the EcoNusa Foundation, in collaboration with the Sisandei Maju Bersama Cooperative and local government, supports the direct purchase of copra from farmers, ensuring fairer and more sustainable market access.
Hariti Island: The Coconut Granary of the Moora Archipelago
One of Nabire’s key coconut-producing hubs is Hariti Island, located in the Moora Archipelago District. Spanning 2.62 square kilometers and home to around 288 residents, more than half of the island’s land area is active coconut farmland. Hariti also serves as a nursery site for coconut seedlings, which are distributed to neighboring islands.
See also: Nabire Coconuts: A High-Value Commodity from the Coastal Areas of Papua
In April 2025, a team from the EcoNusa Foundation, the Department of Agriculture and Plantation of Nabire Regency, and Sisandei Cooperative visited Hariti to assess the coconut plantations and engage directly with the local community. Residents admitted they were once tempted by higher prices offered by outside middlemen. However, despite promising better rates, these middlemen did not buy consistently, leaving coconuts to pile up unsold.
This situation ultimately led farmers to return to selling their harvests to Sisandei Maju Bersama Cooperative, led by Mr. Marten Manuaron. The cooperative has long been a trusted partner, consistently purchasing coconuts, which are then processed into copra. For copra marketing, the cooperative also partners with EcoNusa. This stable relationship gives farmers a sense of security in managing their harvests and income.
Kunure Island: Harmonizing Ecotourism and Coconut Farming
In contrast to Hariti, Kunure Island which located in Napan District is uninhabited. However, its strategic location near Cenderawasih Bay makes it a transit point for tourists en route to view whale sharks in the Kwatisore and Soa waters. Its pristine white sand beaches, clear waters, and breathtaking scenery offer significant potential for ecotourism.
See also: Kaimana Copra Distributed to National Markets
Despite being uninhabited, Kunure hosts coconut plantations maintained by residents from nearby islands. Farmers travel to the island solely to tend and harvest coconuts. Some of the harvests are also sold to the Sisandei Cooperative. With both economic value and natural beauty, Kunure Island exemplifies how agriculture and sustainable tourism can coexist and thrive in Papua.
Collaboration: The Key to a Sustainable Future for Papua’s Copra
The stories of Hariti and Kunure Islands highlight the critical importance of collaboration among farmers, cooperatives, local governments, and organizations like EcoNusa in establishing a fair and sustainable coconut farming system. These partnerships strengthen distribution networks and increase the value of local products from Nabire’s small islands. This support helps ensure that farmers’ harvests are not only sold but also gain broader, more stable market access.
