Jokowi Wants Accelerated Infrastructure Project Delivery in Papua

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo alias Jokowi wants the delivery of infrastructure projects in Papua and West Papua to be accelerated. The aim is to boost economic growth and achieve equitable development. The government will still have to develop isolated and border areas to meet the target.

Jokowi said that the two provinces are vast and full of potential in the field of mining, agriculture, forestry, marine and fishery, among others.

“The huge potential must be exploited to the max for the good of the people,” he said at a limited meeting on evaluation of national strategic projects and priority programs in Papua at the Presidential Office yesterday.

According to President Jokowi the key to boosting the economy and equitable development in Papua and West Papua is accelerated infrastructure project delivery. For example, President Jokowi has instructed his subordinates to speed up the development of sea ports in Sorong, Wasior and Kaimana in West Papua. He believes that it would help opens up isolated regions. “To open up isolated areas which will push down logistics cost, improve competitiveness, accelerate development.”

Transportation Minister Budi Karya added the government is awaiting land clearing process to develop Manokwari Airport. However, he is unsure about railway construction due to lack of passengers. “If the land is read, Manokwari Airport construction can be done next year. As for railway, I want to [conduct] a feasibility study first and foremost.”

ISTMAN M.P.