May 2, 2019 – One of the most remote provinces of Indonesia is Papua and the main population centre of the province is the city of Jayapura – bordering the country of Papua New Guinea and some seven hours flight from Jakarta. Ethnic Papuans now make up just 40% of the city population and are being left behind economically. Other ethnic groups from outside the region are the principle business operators. There is a real need to focus on generating economic growth by building a business mentality amongst young Papuans living in the area. PJI has begun this process with the support of the Prudential Indonesia Corporation through the application of innovative training and mentoring programs. PJI’s Youth Entrepreneurship Education Initiative utilizes experiences and strategies which were developed and applied as part of the USAID JAPRI initiatives undertaken in East Java. A selection of 60 budding young business people has now taken place in Jayapura with 42 females and 18 males participating in comprehensive training and coaching programs until 2020. PJI staff, as coaches, are embedded within the community to support all business operations during this period. On May 2nd PJI, together with senior government officials and the Prudential team, held an inauguration ceremony celebrating the current success of the YEE program. The event signalled a half way point of building and supporting Papuan led business initiatives. An outstanding consideration within the undertaking has been great support from local government, in particular the Mayor’s office. This has enabled significant positive impact and, we believe, will continue to do so as we work with businesses over the next 9 months. The outcome will be the successful development of up to 60 small business operations, all of which will provide income for the individuals and families involved in YEE.