Jayapura — Papua Governor, Matius D. Fakhiri, officially initiated concrete steps to realize railway development in Papua by holding a meeting with the board of directors of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) in Jakarta on Thursday (April 16, 2026).
The meeting marked the initial stage of the regional government’s commitment to providing modern land transportation to improve interregional connectivity in Papua.
“The presence of railways in eastern Indonesia has also received significant attention from the central government, particularly President Prabowo Subianto,” Fakhiri said in a written press statement on Wednesday (April 15).
The Governor explained that although the initial development plan only covers the route from Jayapura City to Jayapura Regency, this project is expected to be an important stepping stone for the development of a broader network throughout Papua.
“Hopefully, this project can be the beginning of the development of a broader transportation network, thereby improving connectivity and accelerating development in Papua. Trains are not only a means of transportation for the public, but will also be used for the transportation and mobilization of goods in the future,” Fakhiri emphasized.
He added that, if all goes well, at the end of this month, a team of experts from PT KAI, accompanied by a special team from Papua Province, will conduct a direct survey of the route that will be used for the railway.
Meanwhile, PT KAI President Director Bobby Rasydin expressed his appreciation for the initiative of Governor Fakhiri and his entourage. He stated that this step is a positive impetus for the realization of the railway in Papua.
“Railway development in Papua is not just about transportation, but also part of an effort to build civilization and improve the welfare of the people. From an economic perspective, the presence of trains can open new access, streamline the distribution of goods and services, and stimulate local economic growth,” Bobby said.
The KAI President Director emphasized that this project aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of equitable infrastructure development throughout Indonesia, including Papua.
“In the future, the presence of trains will be an implementation of equality for prosperity, and that is what President Prabowo conveyed,” he concluded.
