Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Ministry of Public Works is advancing construction of the Jayapura-Wamena Trans Papua Road to improve connectivity, reduce logistics costs, and expand access to essential services across Papua.
Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo said roads and bridges remain the foundation for strengthening connectivity between economic growth centers throughout the archipelago.
“We are developing road and bridge networks connecting cities, islands, and underdeveloped regions across Indonesia to open access for investment, support industrial areas, promote tourism, and strengthen overall connectivity,” Dody said in a statement issued in Jakarta on Monday.
The ministry is constructing the 50.14-kilometer Mamberamo-Elelim segment, linking Papua Province with Papua Highlands Province as part of the primary Jayapura-Wamena corridor.
The road is expected to improve public mobility, lower logistics costs, and reduce prices for basic goods in Papua Highlands, where transport constraints have historically kept living costs high.
Improved connectivity is also expected to ease access to schools, healthcare facilities, and government services while accelerating the distribution of essential commodities to remote communities.
The project is being delivered under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme using an Availability Payment (AP) mechanism. Construction began in July 2024 and is scheduled for completion in November 2026.
As of mid-July 2026, physical progress had reached 51.59 percent, encompassing earthworks, pavement construction, drainage systems, bridges, slope protection, road facilities, supporting structures, and a motor vehicle weighing station.
The route presents major engineering challenges, traversing steep mountains, dense rainforests, areas with heavy year-round rainfall, and zones prone to landslides.
Transporting heavy equipment and construction materials requires extra time and specialized handling due to limited site access.
The ministry noted that the project has generated employment for surrounding communities, with 116 local workers—representing about 28 percent of the workforce—participating in construction activities.
According to the ministry, the Trans Papua Road is designed not only to strengthen regional connectivity but also to improve access to basic services, stimulate local economic activity, and raise living standards across Papua.
Translator: Suharsana Aji Sasra J C, Martha Herlinawati Simanj
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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