Jayapura, Papua, Aug. 18 -- Indonesian Consul in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Paulus Langitan, has highlighted Jayapura's strong potential to serve as a strategic gateway for Indonesian exports to PNG and the wider Pacific region.

Langitan noted that Jayapura plays a vital role in Vanimo's development, as most of the city's construction materials and asphalt are sourced from the capital of Indonesia's Papua Province.

This growing cross-border trade, he said, is helping to boost Jayapura's local economy.

Speaking to local journalists on the sidelines of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day celebration in Vanimo on Sunday, Langitan emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral ties between Indonesia and PNG.

He also underscored t...