Papua plans integrated sea transport to boost economy

Jayapura (ANTARA) - Papua is preparing an integrated sea transportation system to improve regional connectivity, lower logistics costs and support economic growth in coastal communities, Governor Matius D. Fakhiri said on Sunday.

Fakhiri said provincial officials are visiting Batam in the Riau Islands to study maritime transport fleet development before implementing a similar system in Papua.

Before visiting Batam, the delegation inspected port operations in Padang, West Sumatra, as a reference for developing an integrated fisheries port at Depapre Port in Jayapura District.

“We are grateful Papua has Depapre Port. We want to develop it into an integrated fisheries hub supported by processing industries to increase the value of local products,” he said.

Fakhiri said the port should serve not only as a docking facility but also as an economic hub linking fisheries, processing industries, distribution networks and exports.

“We want to strengthen sea connectivity linking Jayapura, the Yapen Islands, Biak and other coastal areas, including regions connected by the Mamberamo River,” he said.

He said the transport network will use both large vessels and high-speed boats to significantly shorten travel times between regions.

“Our goal is for residents to reach Jayapura and other economic centers within one day,” Fakhiri said.

Faster and more affordable transport will enable communities to deliver agricultural, plantation, fisheries and handicraft products from villages to urban markets more efficiently, he added.

The provincial government also plans to introduce transport subsidies to keep travel costs affordable for residents, he said.

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Translator: Qadri, Kenzu

Editor: Rahmad Nasution

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