Indonesian Govt Planning to Subsidize Transport Services in Papua

JAKARTA – The Indonesian government is planning to subsidize goods transport services in Papua. Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said that the Transportation Ministry has allocated 10 percent of its funds for infrastructure development in Papua.

Budi said that the plan was set to implement the equal development program in the eastern part of Indonesia. Budi also explained that the infrastructure development will be initiated by providing subsidies for goods transportation and the establishment of sea toll in Papua.

“Therefore, in addition to providing subsidies for commuters, we also subsidized transportation of goods in Papua,” Budi said in a written statement on Monday, March 6, 2017.

Budi said that the development of sea infrastructure and crossing facilities need to be optimized in an effort to increase island connectivity and transportation of goods in Papua. Budi asserted that establishing a sea toll will decrease price disparity between the eastern part and western part of Indonesia.

“Currently, we can reach Timika, Merauke, Manokwari, and we will continue to improve to allow access to [mountainous] regions,” Budi said.

In addition, Budi also highlighted the importance of developing river transportation to allow access to the most remote regions of Papua. “So that goods transport can be conducted not only through shore areas but also in river areas and prices of goods can be cheaper,” Budi stated.

Budi added that the Transportation Ministry will also develop air transportation to connect remote areas in Papua. Budi said that the Ministry will construct eight new airports with more than 1,000 meters of runway to allow large airplanes to land.

“Hopefully, our brothers living in mountain areas can be reached using large airplanes,” Budi said. (tabloidjubi)