Gov’t Committed to Improving Connectivity in Papua’s Asmat

Runway of Ewer Airport at Asmat regency, Papua province. (Source: Ministry of Transportation)

The Government is committed to improving connectivity to and from Asmat regency in Papua province through infrastructure development, both transportation facilities and infrastructure.

“The Government will continue to improve transportation infrastructure in Asmat. In the regency, there are Ewer airport, Agats sea port, and other transportation infrastructures. We want to build infrastructure here so that all of Indonesia knows Asmat,” said Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi during a working visit to the regency, Sunday (26/9).

According to Budi, Ministry of Transportation developed the Ewer airport that meets aviation safety and security aspects.

“We built this airport with a design that carries local wisdom. We made carvings typical of Asmat culture and a more beautiful terminal interior, which is expected to be a special attraction for tourists. Next year we will continue to develop it,” he said.

For the record, Ewer airport already has a 1,650-meters-long runway that can accommodate ATR-72-type aircraft. The airport also has an apron of 90 x 70 meters and a 576m2 terminal building.

The Minister also explained that his Ministry is also improving connectivity through sea transportation and crossings and revealed plan to design the Agats port in the region to be a connecting port for the Sea Toll ship route.

“I have ordered Director General of Land Transportation to ensure that Agats port could become a connecting port for logistics transportation from Surabaya via the Sea Toll Ship. The logistics will then proceed with smaller ships through the rivers to the central region of Papua such as Dekai, Yahukimo, Nduga, and surrounding areas so the goods can reach the residents who live at the top of the mountains,” he said.

Budi expressed hope that the delivery of logistics via the river can reduce shipping costs and the ships in the future will also be able to serve residents along the river. (PR of Ministry of Transportation/UN) (EST/EP)