Collaborative Governance between the EcoNusa Foundation and the Kaimana Regency Government in Environment-Based Development in Teluk Etna District, West Papua

Environment-oriented development in West Papua requires governance arrangements that extend beyond the role of local governments by actively engaging non-state actors. In this context, the EcoNusa Foundation has emerged as a strategic partner of local government in promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible development. This study aims to analyze the implementation of collaborative governance between the EcoNusa Foundation and the Kaimana Regency Government in supporting environment-based development in Teluk Etna District, West Papua. A qualitative case study approach was employed, with data collected through in-depth interviews, analysis of policy documents, and field observations at the district level. The findings reveal that the collaboration is supported by a relatively clear division of roles, a shared commitment to environmental protection, and enabling local policy frameworks. Nevertheless, several challenges remain, including limited bureaucratic capacity at the local level, suboptimal coordination among stakeholders, and complex social dynamics within the local community. The study concludes that the effectiveness of collaborative governance is strongly influenced by mutual trust, institutional adaptability, and the ability of local governments to sustain long-term partnerships with non-state actors. This research contributes to the understanding of collaborative governance practices in environmentally sensitive and geographically remote regions.