Public Works Ministry strengthens connectivity in Papua's New Autonomous Regions through road and bridge construction
The Ministry of Public Works (PU) continues to strengthen connectivity and expand accessibility within Papua’s New Autonomous Regions (DOB) through the construction of road and bridge networks for the 2026 Fiscal Year.
Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo stated that the development of roads and bridges plays a strategic role in accelerating inter-regional connectivity, supporting public mobility, and providing access to economic and governmental growth centres in Papua’s DOB.
“The development of basic infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges, is a vital foundation for driving equitable development in Papua. Good connectivity facilitates logistics distribution, improves community access to basic services, and strengthens regional integration in areas still facing geographical challenges,” Dody said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.
This connectivity infrastructure development is part of the central government’s support to accelerate regional development, improve public services, and encourage economic growth in the Papua region.
For the 2026 Fiscal Year, the Ministry of Public Works, through the Directorate General of Highways, has allocated a budget of Rp337.83 billion to support the construction of road and bridge networks in the Papua DOB regions. As of 18 May 2026, financial realisation reached Rp56.03 billion (16.58 per cent) with physical progress at 20.56 per cent.
Dody noted that the support for road and bridge networks includes the reconstruction of the Simpang Kuprik–Kampung SP 9–SP 3 Salor road (Segment 3) for 5 km and Segment 4 for 6.8 km in South Papua Province. Both routes serve as strategic access points supporting governmental areas and new economic centres in southern Papua.
Additionally, the Ministry is undertaking the construction of the Kali Bumi–Karadiri Airport road, spanning 1.27 km, with 29.48 per cent physical progress, as well as the Waroki–Kali Bumi (New Airport) road, spanning 4.13 km in Central Papua. According to Dody, these road segments increase accessibility to air transport infrastructure and strengthen inter-regional connectivity.
To increase the capacity of existing road networks, widening works are being carried out on the Nabire–Wanggar City Border road for 7.25 km, currently at 39.64 per cent progress. This route is a vital corridor supporting community mobility and goods distribution in the Nabire area and its surroundings. Alongside road construction, the Ministry is also building the 100-metre Kali Bumi Bawah Bridge, which is expected to enhance transport network reliability and ensure smooth connectivity, particularly in areas previously hindered by geographical conditions.
Dody stated that the total budget for Papua DOB development for the 2026 Fiscal Year managed by the Ministry of Public Works reaches Rp1.17 trillion. Beyond the connectivity sector via the Directorate General of Highways, development support is also being provided through the Directorate General of Human Settlements and the Directorate General of Water Resources to accelerate the provision of basic infrastructure supporting governance and public services in the new autonomous regions.
Through the support of road and bridge construction, it is hoped that regional connectivity in Papua’s DOB will increase, thereby driving economic growth, opening investment opportunities, and improving the welfare of the Papuan people more equitably.