West Papua Government Supports Blue Abadi Fund Grant Management Cycle 5

SORONG, PBD – The South West Papua Provincial Government reaffirms its full support for community-based marine conservation and resource management efforts in the Blue Abadi Fund (BAF) Cycle 5 Program, managed by the Indonesian Biodiversity Foundation (KEHATI).

This was conveyed in the speech by the Head of the Department of Women’s Empowerment, Social Welfare, and Protection (P2KP) of South West Papua during the opening of the "Capacity Building for Primary & Innovation Grant Partners in Program and Financial Management" event, held at the Royal Mamberamo Hotel, Sorong City, South West Papua, on Wednesday (26/2/25).

In his speech, the Head of the P2KP Department, Absalom Solossa, expressed appreciation to the Indonesian Biodiversity Foundation (KEHATI) as the administrator of the Blue Abadi Fund for continually supporting local partners in marine area conservation and community empowerment.
“This Cycle 5 grant is a tangible expression of our shared commitment to maintaining the sustainability of marine ecosystems and improving the welfare of coastal communities. We hope all grant recipients can understand the mechanisms of grant management, including administration, finance, and program implementation,” he said.

BAF Program Team Leader, David Kuntel, in his statement, mentioned that the training held from February 26 to March 1, 2025, aims to enhance the capacity of grant partners in program governance, financial record-keeping, and program reporting according to the standards set by KEHATI. This program is attended by 18 grant partners from the Primary and Innovation categories, previously approved by the BAF Governance Committee (GC).
Governance Committee (GC) BAF.

Participants will receive guidance from facilitators in plenary sessions and group discussions on program implementation strategies, financial management, and transparent, accountable reporting of program outcomes.
Additionally, participants will also receive simulations on preparing financial reports for grants, practical exercises on record-keeping and program reporting, and assistance in developing the strategic plans for the programs they run. Through this approach, it is expected that each partner will better understand the mechanisms of grant governance and will be able to implement the programs effectively in the field.

Government Support for Program Sustainability

The South West Papua Government reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the preservation of marine ecosystems through community-based programs. Furthermore, the sustainability of the BAF Program is also supported by funding from the BAF Endowment Fund and the USAID Collective Fund. “We invite all partners to make the most of this training as an opportunity to strengthen networks and share experiences, so that together we can ensure the preservation of the ocean for future generations,” concluded the Head of the P2KP Department, Absalom.

With this program, it is expected that the management of grants in BAF Cycle 5 will run more effectively, leading to a positive impact on conservation efforts and the welfare of coastal communities in the Bird's Head Seascape.