AHY and North Maluku Governor Discuss Accelerating Trans Kie Raha Corridor Development

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) met with North Maluku Governor Sherly Tjoanda and officials to discuss accelerating infrastructure development and economic equity in the province. The meeting, held on Friday, 22 May 2026, covered key development priorities including regional connectivity enhancement, development of Sofifi as the provincial capital, construction of the strategic Trans Kie Raha corridor, and infrastructure support for industrial zones and food hubs in North Maluku. During the meeting, Sherly Tjoanda outlined positive regional development achievements, including awards from the Ministry of Home Affairs for reducing stunting rates in six regencies and cities. “North Maluku’s 34.3% economic growth, significantly above the national average, reflects successful mineral resource downstreaming, particularly nickel. However, the main challenge is ensuring equitable wealth distribution through strengthened basic infrastructure,” Sherly Tjoanda stated in a written release on Friday, 29 May 2026. A key discussion point was the development of Sofifi as the provincial capital. Despite administrative designation, Sofifi faces limitations including budget constraints and insufficient basic infrastructure such as traditional markets and transport accessibility. Access to Sofifi currently relies on Sultan Babullah Airport in Ternate followed by sea travel. Thus, more integrated infrastructure development is needed to enhance regional connectivity. The North Maluku provincial government is pushing for accelerated construction of the strategic Trans Kie Raha corridor linking Sofifi to major industrial zones in Weda and Buli. The project is expected to reduce travel time from 3.5-5 hours to around one hour, improving logistics and food distribution connectivity to industrial areas. North Maluku plays a strategic role as one of the world’s nickel industry hubs. Around 100 of 166 national smelters are located there, contributing 50% of national production, with economic activity reaching nearly Rp 150 trillion annually. “Future nickel-based battery industry development in Weda and Buli, including global partnerships, is expected to further strengthen North Maluku’s position in the global electric vehicle supply chain,” she added. Strengthening connectivity to food hub areas is also a priority to reduce reliance on external supplies. The Trans Kie Raha road project is projected to cut logistics distribution time from five hours to under one hour. “To support these initiatives, the North Maluku provincial government has requested Rp 2.9 trillion from the central government. The proposal covers road construction, basic infrastructure improvements, irrigation, and post-disaster management,” she added. In response, AHY praised the provincial government’s achievements and strategic planning. He stressed that the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure would prioritise accelerating development in the region, particularly to address economic disparities. “We see strong vision and thorough planning. The Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure will coordinate this proposal with Bappenas, the Ministry of Public Works, and other relevant ministries to ensure infrastructure projects, especially strategic roads, are swiftly implemented for tangible public benefits,” AHY said. AHY also emphasised the importance of integrated and sustainable development approaches. “This aligns with North Maluku’s long-term goal to become a new growth centre in Eastern Indonesia by 2029 and host national events based on its tourism and natural resource potential,” he concluded. As additional information, AHY was accompanied by Nazib Faizal, Deputy for Regional Development, Agrarian Affairs, and Spatial Planning Coordination; Special Staff to the Minister Agust Jovan Latuconsina and Sigit Raditya; and Assistant Deputy for Rural Area and Transmigration Development Acceleration under the Deputy for Regional Development, Agrarian Affairs, and Spatial Planning Coordination, Muh. Burhanudin Borut. Also present were Ningdyah Lestari, Head of the Liaison Agency; and Risman Iriyanto Djafar, Head of North Maluku Public Works and Housing Department.