"In the last two years, the government of Joko Widodo constructed transportation infrastructure in West Papua, particularly for air and sea transportation," the Head of Communication and Informatics Service of West Papua, Bambang Heriawan Soesanto, said here on Friday.
Jokowi launched a sea toll system in 2015 to develop Indonesias transportation system, including in eastern Indonesia.
The government selected the Sorong City as the first center for sea toll in eastern Indonesia.
The government also built a container terminal and developed ports in Sorong to end the disparity in prices in rural areas.
"The program will be expanded to cover areas which are not accessible for commercial ships, such as Oransbari, South Manokwari and Bintuni Gulf," Soesanto noted.
Besides, Jokowi also built several airports in West Papua Province such as the Dominie Edward Osok Airport and the Rendani Manokwari Airport.
In order to support the tourism sector in Raja Ampat, the government will also extend Waisay Raja Ampat Port to accommodate direct flights from other provinces.
He hoped that a direct flight can be operated from Makassar, Manado and Denpasar.
Additionally, the South Manokwari District administration has handed over the Abbreso Ransiki Air Strip to the Transportation Ministry for development.
The local people of South Manokwari have also supported the development program by giving 600 hectares of land to be developed as the air strip is extended.
The government also plans to build a new airport in the Wondama Gulf District.
Soesanto informed that the ministry was conducting a feasibility study for the construction of the Wondama Gulf Airport.
Meanwhile, the Head of Arfak Tribe, Dominggus Mandacan, said the government has come up with a number of programs to develop West Papua.
He invited other heads of districts and cities to support the government in developing Papua.
Mandacan commented that the enhanced infrastructure facilities will positively affect the development of education, health and local economy in Papua and West Papua.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
