Transportation development for better access, infrastructure, and economic empowerment in Papua has been steady yet slow to reach its goal. The Ambitious transportation plan was mentioned and initiated under the special autonomy law 21-2001. But does it affect the current Papua and West Papua development? Indeed, it is, and the project is also worth praising.
The Importance Of Transportation
Considering the vast land of Papua New Guinea, transportation will be the key to the puzzle in the region’s development. It was part of the puzzle piece that help many other growths going along. The government needs to put a high priority on the transportation puzzle. It is true since change demands a large amount of investment, research, and approval.
Surprisingly there are so many aspects that put the state to blame for the unfair treatment and effect for the locals. Some of them highlight how little the transportation services affect the locals, especially before special autonomy takes part. But again, it is not the only thing to point out. The project demands a huge collaboration to create the outmost for every party.
The Ambitious Plan
With special autonomy behind its back, the Indonesian government enforces the developing road and railroad projects in both Papua and West Papua. The huge plan was part of government effort in easing local or good transport. It will lower the transportation needs, increase the local economy in the two provinces, and balance the goods price in the area.
1. Rail Road
The first huge ambition of transportation development is the long railroad from Sorong to Manokwari. The distance is about 390 km, and the completion is planned for 2019. Another huge railroad project is to span 205 km railroad connecting Sarmi and Jayapura, which should be finished in 2020. The estimated cost is about 10.3 trillion rupiahs.
Some other information includes the main track will pass through the city of Sorong, Sorong District, south of Sorong, Maybrat, Teluk Bintuni, South Manokwari, and reach Manokwari. The progress is started by surveying environmental impact assessment in 2016. The project continued by assessing the construction-related land tenure issues in 2017.
It means that the project will begin in 2018. With that in mind, 2019 is the groundbreaking year for the West Papua railroad project. The first phase of the railway construction line will be carried out around 100 kilometers from the city of Sorong. The long delay was due to the land clearing issues, which happen a lot due to the natural aspect of the region.
2. Trans Papua Highway
Another ambitious similar plan for the region’s transportation development is the trans-Papua Road. It should be a 4.300 km long road project that is estimated to cost around 15 trillion rupiahs. It was a huge plan that demand a huge collaboration and land clearing. It is because 827 km of the trans road land is still covered by primary rainforest.
The trans-Papua highway itself gain a lot of green light since it has been in constant progress. Again, there is a long delay due to armed conflict in 2018. It makes the completion far from done. Until 2020, the road has 200-300 km for accomplishment. But it shows great progress despite many issues.
While not most of the roads are fully covered in asphalt but the project has been in good progress. The whole road highway project covers 4 road segments in west Papua and 8 road segments in Papua covering more than 2,345 Km long road. While indeed, there are many problems, issues, and delays, the road itself provide a positive impact for the local.
The impact includes opening road access to many other isolated areas in both regions. It means people from the secluded area can get better access. Indigenous locals can transport goods, products, and gain access to many other public facilities. It will eventually help improve the local economy and develop better access to tourism and facilities.
The Commitment To Accelerate The Development
It is safe to say that Indonesia has been in a high commitment to accelerating the development of the region. Under the regulation of presidential instruction number 9 of 2020 and presidential decree number 20 of 2020, the two regulations aim to speed up the implementation of various actions plans regarding the regions’ development.
It means that the regulation includes preparing a long-term growth that has been designed until 2024. It covers every sector and aspect, including the infrastructure. All development plan goes along with the West Papua and Papua’s SDGs or Sustainable development Goals, which will be gradually and systematically implemented during the long-term progress.
Due to the uprising conflict, indigenous tribe, tradition, conservation, and the land situation itself, some projects are hard to carry out. However, the idea of accelerating Papua infrastructure development itself is a nice touch and an indication of commitment. It takes time and needs help from many aspects, characters, or individuals to eventually carry out the plan.
