Committee II of DPD RI Encourages Strengthening Transportation Connectivity in Papua

28 October 2026 oleh admin

Jayapura, dpd.go.id — Committee II of the House of Regional Representative of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) is pushing for strengthening transportation connectivity in Papua through the development of an integrated and comprehensive transportation system. This was discussed at a coordination forum with the Jayapura Regency Government and several stakeholders at the Jayapura Regent's Office, Papua, on Monday (28/9/2026).

The forum was led by the Chairperson of Committee II DPD RI Badikenita Br. Sitepu, accompanied by Vice Chairperson of Committee II DPD RI Abdul Waris Halid, Member of Committee II DPD RI from Papua Henock Puraro, and other members of Committee II DPD RI.

Henock Puraro, a member of Committee II of DPD RI, stated that Jayapura Regency holds a strategic position as a transportation hub in Papua. "We chose Jayapura Regency because it is an integrated transportation hub in Papua Province. The discussion at this meeting focused on an integrated transportation system," he said.

Jayapura Deputy Regent Haris Richard Yocku emphasized that transportation is a crucial foundation for Papua's development. He stated that Jayapura Regency holds a strategic position as a hub for the movement of people and goods.

Chairperson of Committee II of the DPD RI, Badikenita Br. Sitepu, stated that Committee II of the DPD RI is currently preparing a Draft Law (RUU) on Connectivity as an effort to support the creation of an integrated national transportation system.

"This Connectivity Bill will address transportation infrastructure and connectivity between regions. It will also regulate the issue to prevent monopolies on airline ticket prices for certain flight routes," said Badikenita.

She added that transportation not only functions to move people, but also supports the distribution of goods and the fulfillment of basic needs and logistics for the community. From the government's perspective, the Ministry of Transportation stated that transportation is one of the drivers of regional development because it provides connectivity for economic activities, such as industry, trade, agriculture and tourism.

The Ministry of Transportation also explained three main strategies for improving Indonesia's connectivity as an archipelagic nation: strengthening inter-island connectivity nationally and globally, increasing the efficiency of multimodal connectivity between hubs and hinterland areas, and developing sustainable urban mass transportation.

Meanwhile, from the road infrastructure aspect, the Head of the Papua-Papua Pegunungan National Road Implementation Center (BBPJN) Deni conveyed a number of priority corridors handled by the government, including Trans Papua Segment VII Jayapura–Memberamo–Elelim–Wamena and road sections in Jayapura Regency.

According to Deni, construction of part of the Trans Papua Segment VII is also under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme. However, there are still 20 semi-permanent bridges on that segment.

Regarding air transportation, a representative from InJourney Airports stated that Sentani Airport is a major aviation hub in Papua, serving pioneering flights to 18 districts. The airport management also offers various incentives to airlines to open new routes and increase flight frequency.

Meanwhile, PT Pelindo conveyed a number of challenges in developing port connectivity in Jayapura, including the development of an integrated maritime transportation ecosystem, port and dock development, and funding and investment needs.

PT Pelni also explained that its shipping network connects Papua with several major cities, including Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, and Jayapura. Currently, eight passenger ships operate regular routes that call in Papua.

From the land aspect, representatives of the Ministry of ATR/BPN Papua stated that by 2026, the land for Sentani Airport that had been certified reached 144 hectares, while the Depapre Port that had been certified reached 14.5 hectares.

Meanwhile, TNI representatives emphasized the importance of land connectivity to open access to Papua's interior. Limited transportation access is believed to impact the distribution of basic necessities and the implementation of security duties in remote areas.

DPD RI Committee II assessed that the various inputs showed the continued need for strengthening regulations and synergy between sectors in the implementation of national transportation, particularly in Papua.

The results of this working visit will serve as material for Committee II of the DPD RI in carrying out its supervisory function regarding the implementation of laws and regulations in the transportation sector as well as being input in the preparation of the DPD RI initiative bill on Connectivity.

The working visit is part of the DPD RI's commitment to promoting integrated and comprehensive connectivity throughout Indonesia, particularly in the eastern region. Strengthening connectivity is expected to open access, facilitate the mobility of people and goods, and support equitable development in Papua and other parts of Indonesia.