Purpose: This study aims to analyze partnership strategies between Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and various stakeholders particularly NGOs and financial institutions to enhance the productivity of crocodile leather craftsmen in Mimika Regency, Papua. It explores how institutional collaboration can strengthen market access, financial literacy, and sustainability.

Research/methodology: The study uses a qualitative descriptive approach with a case study design. Data collection techniques included in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation, involving key stakeholders such as MSME actors, local government agencies, and partner institutions. The data were analyzed thematically to identify key patterns and collaborative practices.

Results: The findings show that strategic partnerships especially with NGOs and cooperative financial entities significantly improve production management, marketing outreach, and product value for local craftsmen. NGOs play a critical role in mentoring, capacity building, and ensuring sustainability through continuous engagement. However, the absence of formal contracts and inconsistent raw material supply remains a challenge.

Conclusions: Strategic partnerships with NGOs and financial institutions effectively enhance the productivity and sustainability of crocodile leather MSMEs in Mimika. These collaborations support business capacity and market access. However, supply chain vulnerabilities due to informal contracts and raw material instability remain key challenges. Strengthening institutional agreements is essential for long-term MSME resilience.

Limitations: The study is limited to a single regency and focuses primarily on crocodile leather MSMEs, which may not reflect broader MSME dynamics in Papua. Furthermore, the data are predominantly qualitative, limiting generalizability.

Contribution: This research contributes to the discourse on MSME development in remote regions by emphasizing the role of sustained institutional partnerships and ongoing mentoring. It offers a replicable model for MSME empowerment through hybrid collaboration strategies that blend financial inclusion and technical support.