Merauke, Jubi – The South Papua provincial government has officially transferred ownership of the Ewer–Agats ferry terminal and jetty to the Asmat regency administration, with the infrastructure expected to strengthen transportation services and support economic activity in the coastal region.
South Papua Governor Apolo Safanpo handed over the facility to Asmat Regent Thomas Eppe Safanpo during a ceremony in Ewer, Asmat Regency, on Friday, 31 July 2026.
Apolo Safanpo said the jetty and ferry terminal would improve the movement of people and goods while contributing to local economic growth.
“We hope this jetty and ferry terminal will be used to their fullest potential to support community activities and drive economic growth in Asmat Regency,” he said.
He explained that planning for the project began in 2024, while construction was carried out in 2025.
In addition to the facility in Ewer, the South Papua provincial government is also planning to build a ferry terminal in Agats.
Safanpo said the development of basic infrastructure would remain a priority for the provincial government. In 2026, the administration is also constructing concrete bridges in Jetsy and Joerat districts, alongside a range of development programmes implemented through provincial agencies, including the education, health, and transportation departments.
He said accelerating development in South Papua requires close coordination between the provincial and regency governments to ensure community needs are addressed in stages.
According to Safanpo, both levels of government need to establish a clear division of responsibilities for infrastructure development and the delivery of basic public services so that available funding can be used more efficiently.
“We must identify the basic needs of communities at the regency, district, and village levels, then clearly divide responsibilities between the provincial and regency governments according to their respective authorities,” he said.
Safanpo added that the creation of South Papua Province under Indonesia’s regional expansion policy was intended to accelerate more equitable development, both through infrastructure projects and improvements in human resources.
He expressed hope that the province’s definitive administration would use its term in office to accelerate the provision of essential infrastructure across South Papua’s four regencies—Merauke, Asmat, Mappi, and Boven Digoel.
Meanwhile, Asmat Regent Thomas Eppe Safanpo thanked the South Papua provincial government for constructing the Ewer–Agats ferry terminal.
He said the project demonstrated the provincial government’s commitment to improving connectivity in Asmat, despite budget efficiency measures that have affected government spending.
“On behalf of the Asmat regency administration and the people of Asmat, we express our gratitude to the South Papua provincial government for its support in developing infrastructure in our regency,” Thomas Safanpo said. (*)
