Thelandofpapua.com -In a bid to accelerate development and foster accessibility in remote regions, both central and regional governments have embarked on ambitious infrastructure projects in Papua. Spearheaded by strategic initiatives such as the Trans Papua Highway, energy infrastructure development, Sea Toll, Air Toll, and the Palapa Ring Program, these efforts aim to bridge the gap between Papua and the rest of Indonesia.
Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya, emphasized the significance of enhancing sea and air transportation infrastructure in Papua, given its pivotal location on international transportation routes and as an archipelagic sea lane of Indonesia. “Infrastructure development for sea and air transportation in Papua is needed,” stated Minister Budi Karya during a recent Media Discussion titled “Indonesia Centric Vision: Equality in Papua.”
Highlighting the importance of transportation connectivity, Minister Budi Karya stressed the optimization of sea transportation infrastructure and crossings to bolster inter-island connectivity and facilitate access to remote and inland areas via river transportation.
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing, Basuki Hadimuliono, provided updates on road construction efforts. Out of the total 4,330 km of the Trans Papua and West Papua Roads, 3,851 km have been completed, with significant progress also made on the Border Road, where 884 km out of 1,098 km have been finalized. The completion of the road section from Sorong to Manokwari is targeted for this year.
The development of infrastructure in Papua is also pivotal for achieving equitable energy access. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ignasius Jonan, outlined various initiatives under the One Price Fuel program, Solar Lamp Package, Renewable Energy Power Plants (EBT), City Gas Networks, Tangguh LNG, and the Rural Electricity Program, all aimed at bolstering energy infrastructure in the region.
Minister Jonan underscored the importance of the One Price Fuel program in ensuring fairness for all Indonesian citizens and expressed plans to encourage the establishment of Oil and Solar Fuel Distributor Agents (APMS). Additionally, the Energy-Efficient Solar Lamp Package (LTSHE) Program is set to illuminate Papua, with each family receiving a package comprising a 20-watt solar panel and four LED lights. Over 95,000 LTSHE packages have been allocated for regions including East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, North Maluku, Papua, and West Papua.
Echoing the need for inter-ministerial collaboration, Minister of Communication and Information, Rudiantara, emphasized synergy in infrastructure provision. He cited the Palapa Ring Program as an example, where collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing facilitates the installation of underground cables.
The concerted efforts of the government underscore a commitment to fostering development and accessibility in Papua, paving the way for greater socio-economic integration and opportunities in the region.
