30 May 2025
The newly constructed commercial area in Kawasi New Settlement was officially inaugurated through a festive event SAPA Kawasi 2025 (Semarak Pasar Rakyat Kawasi) on 15-24 May 2025. This inauguration marks an important milestone in building an economic hub for the community around Harita Nickel's operations on Obi Island, South Halmahera.
The commercial area is an economic support facility in the new settlement of Kawasi Village, a program initiated by the South Halmahera Regency Government and supported by Harita Nickel to provide decent and integrated housing. Residents who previously traded in the old settlement get replacement kiosks located strategically in this newly developed and organized location.
Kawasi Village Head, Arifin Saroa, in his remarks at the SAPA Kawasi launching night, invited the community to utilize the commercial area as an economic resource for local traders in the new settlement. He also asked for support from Harita Nickel so that employees could support it by shopping at the local market.
In addition to the commercial area, Arifin also expressed his appreciation to Harita Nickel for providing access to the Akelamo River bridge, which connects Kawasi and Soligi villages. According to him, land access can encourage local economic growth.
“Let's organize it well so that we can trade together, do you agree, waina Soligi and Kawasi? Waina from Soligi and Kawasi can now work well in business because Harita Nickel has opened business spaces, giving us access to land routes. Let's support Harita's programs together, because these programs are very useful,” he said, inviting local traders (waina) who were present that night.
Deputy Head of Technical Support of PT Obi Sinar Timur, one of Harita Nickel's subsidiaries, Amirudin, said SAPA Kawasi is a a tangible demonstration of the company’s commitment to local economic development. He expressed hope that SAPA Kawasi, as a means to promote commercial areas, can raise the potential of local MSMEs.
The grand launch night of SAPA Kawasi was enliven by the performance of guest star Alan Darmawan, who performed his song “100 Million.” As the crowd mingled with Insan Harita, they sang together in front of the entertainment stage. Meanwhile, children were seen enjoying a number of game rides not far from the entertainment arena. MSME stalls selling various culinary delights, handicrafts and daily necessities were attracting visitors.
Regent of South Halmahera, Hasan Ali Bassam Kasuba, who officially opened the event, praised the collaborative effort in establishing this economic hub. “On behalf of the Regency Government, I appreciate the inauguration of this economic area. I see great potential to encourage the economic growth of the community, especially MSMEs. Hopefully Kawasi will grow into a healthy, prosperous and competitive area,” he said.
After soft launching, Halsel local government through Harita Nickel will take a number of finishing works in the economic zone, such as greening and tidying up. Furthermore, after everything is complete and ready, the committee will make a grand launching.
Through the development of this commercial area, Harita Nickel and the South Halmahera Regency Government remain committed to continuously improving local community welfare and supporting sustainable economic growth on Obi Island.
Go Top