PT KAI plans to build a railway network in Papua as part of transportation development in eastern Indonesia.
The initial phase of this project was marked by a meeting between the Governor of Papua, Matius D Fakhiri, and the board of directors of PT Kereta Api Indonesia to discuss the implementation of the project.
The first planned route will connect Jayapura with Jayapura Regency.
This line is expected to serve as the initial foundation before the railway network is expanded to other areas in Papua.
The Papua Provincial Government states that this project aims to improve connectivity, accelerate regional development, and provide access to modern public transportation.
In addition to passenger service, the railway is also projected to support logistics distribution and the movement of goods.
If there are no obstacles, by the end of April, a team of experts from PT KAI along with a special team from the Papua Provincial Government will begin conducting a route survey.
This survey will determine the first rail line to be built in the province.
PT KAI’s President Director, Bobby Rasydin, views the railway construction in Papua as more than just a transportation project.
According to him, this project can also drive local economic growth through new access and smoother distribution of goods and services.
Overall, the construction of railways in Papua is viewed as a strategic step to accelerate the economic integration of Indonesia’s eastern region.