Governor of Highland Papua, John Tabo, said here on Saturday that he recently met with President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta to discuss efforts to speed up development of the new autonomous regions (DOB) in Papua, especially Highland Papua province.
“One of the topics we discussed was the roadwork from the Mamberamo River bridge to Elelim in Yalimo, Highland Papua, which spans 61 kilometers,” he informed.
According to Tabo, severe damage on the road segment between the Mamberamo River bridge and Elelim, Yalimo, has significantly slowed the flow of traffic from Jayapura to Wamena.
“We hope that with the road improvements, four- and six-wheeled vehicles can reach Wamena more quickly, which will help boost the local economy,” he said.
He added that the poor condition of the Trans-Jayapura-Wamena road segment has led to delays in the distribution of staple goods and heavy materials, contributing to high prices in the province.
“High inflation here is partly caused by the slow distribution of basic needs and other heavy goods. However, if the road is improved, then the prices of basic goods and others here can be kept under control,” he added.
Furthermore, Tabo informed that the construction of the 61-kilometer road is being fully funded by the state budget (APBN).
“We do not know the exact amount of the funding, as that falls under the authority of the central government, in this case, the Ministry of Public Works,” he said.
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Translator: Yudhi, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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