Raja Ampat and Bulgaria Partner in Tourism Sector

RRI.CO.ID, Raja Ampat - The Raja Ampat Regency Administration in Southwest Papua met with Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Indonesia to discuss cooperation in tourism devolepment and local human resources capacity building, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

This diplomatic visit by Ambassador Tanya Dimitrova signals a transformative shift from being a mere travel destination to a hub for international human resource development.

The collaboration focuses heavily on bridging the gap between local talent and global standards, specifically targeting English-speaking youth for professional placements in Bulgaria’s hospitality sector. Head of the Raja Ampat Tourism Agency, Klasina Rumbekwan, highlighted that the initiative aims to provide six-month work experiences in hotels and tourism services starting next year.

While the embassy facilitates the initial communication channels, Klasina clarified that the technical selection and administrative processes will remain under the jurisdiction of official Indonesian recruitment agencies.

“There are stages and selection mechanisms. The embassy only helps open communication, while the technical process is handled by agencies,” said Klasina during the meeting session, as quoted by Antara.

She emphasized that the primary goal is not permanent migration, but a knowledge exchange where participants return to Raja Ampat to implement advanced service standards. "We hope this experience can strengthen the quality of local human resources, so they can increase competitiveness and tourism service standards in the region," she added.

Beyond manpower, the meeting served as a direct showcase of Raja Ampat’s ecological treasures. Ambassador Dimitrova’s itinerary included visits to the Sawinggrai Village, the iconic Piaynemo landscape, the zebra shark conservation center, and the Papua Diving Resort on Mios Manswar Island.

This firsthand exposure is intended to move beyond traditional brochures and create a direct promotional pipeline to the European market.

Reflecting on the significance of the visit, Klasina noted that while Raja Ampat is already a household name in global travel publications, this diplomatic engagement adds a layer of formal international recognition. “This visit is an opportunity to introduce Raja Ampat directly while opening space for international cooperation,” she concluded.

The partnership is viewed as a foundational step toward sustainable tourism development. It ensures that as Raja Ampat's global profile grows, its local workforce is equally prepared to lead the industry. ***