Jokowi Vows to Finish 4,000-km Trans-Papua Highway

"The differences between the western, middle and eastern parts of Indonesia are still visible," the president said. "When the infrastructure is done, I'm sure the commodities prices in Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua will be more equal. The gap will no longer be as big as we see right now."
Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono confirmed that everything will be finished by 2019, when Joko's term ends.
"Some of the problems we're facing are about land," the minister said. "We are now trying with local governors and mayors to solve problems with a 30-kilometer stretch of road between Manokwari and Kibar that we haven't touched for five years," he said, noting that the president himself would get involved.
The government also announced that it set aside more than Rp 4 trillion ($300 million) to build roads, bridges and homes in West Papua.
Ellen Tangkudung, a transportation expert from the University of Indonesia (UI), said the Trans-Papua Highway is indeed important for local development in West Papua and Papua.
"The problem in Papua is that developing infrastructure there is challenging because it is a mountainous region," Ellen said. "But the region desperately needs connectivity to ease commodity price disparity."
Ellen said the government must focus on connecting ports and airports in Papua with roads because that remains the most efficient way to boost development in the region.
GlobeAsia
POPULAR READS
Harita Nickel Increases Stake in Gane Tambang Sentosa to 99%
The acquisition will increase Harita’s nickel reserves to 302 million tons, making it the fifth-largest Indonesian nickel miner by deposits.Philippines Opens Monitoring Base on Remote Island in Disputed South China Sea
Thitu is one of nine islands, islets and atolls that have been occupied by Philippine forces since the 1970sPresident’s Office Refutes Allegations of Interference in Setya Novanto Case
Former House Speaker Setya Novanto is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence after being convicted of corruption charges.Teras by Plataran to Open at Pondok Indah Mall 2
Teras by Plataran will open at Pondok Indah Mall (PIM) 2 in Jakarta this SundayForeign Tourist Arrivals Drop 8.57 Pct in October
BPS reported that foreign tourist arrivals had seen a 8.57 percent drop in October compared to the previous month.Popular Tag
Most Popular

