Papua Provincial Government: 2,400 Passengers Benefit from Free Travel Programme

Jayapura — The Papua Provincial Government has announced that 2,400 passengers have utilised the Free Travel Programme in observance of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah.

The Acting Head of the Papua Transportation Office, Mathius Wally, stated in Jayapura on Wednesday that the Provincial Government’s Free Travel Programme operates under two schemes: intra-Papua services and inter-island return journeys.

“For intra-Papua travel, we have reached approximately 2,400 passengers from a total quota of 8,900,” he said.

According to Mathius, the intra-Papua service, implemented in cooperation with transport operators, has already served thousands of passengers on numerous routes including Jayapura–Biak, Jayapura–Serui, Biak–Serui, Waropen, and Nabire.

“The free intra-Papua travel programme will continue throughout the return period, scheduled to end on 30 March 2026, with the possibility of adjustment until 1 April 2026,” he added.

For the return journey component, the government is collaborating with state-owned maritime enterprises. This programme targets residents travelling to and from destinations outside Papua.

“For return journeys, we have a quota of approximately 1,000 passengers distributed across several Pelni shipping routes, with departure and arrival points including Jayapura and Biak ports,” he explained.

He further noted that the return quota is aligned with operational ship schedules, and urged residents to register promptly as places are limited and demand is high.

“We hope this free travel programme will assist residents in reducing transportation costs and support smooth mobility during the Ramadan period,” he concluded.