Prime Minister James Marape has committed the National Government to establishing full border services at the new North Fly-Indonesia crossing as the strategic road linking Papua New Guinea to Indonesia nears completion.
Responding to a supplementary question from North Fly MP James Donald in Parliament last week, Mr. Marape said the Government would establish immigration, customs, quarantine, police and other essential services at the new border post.
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Mr. Donald raised concerns about prolonged dry conditions and falling water levels along the Fly River, which have disrupted transport and supplies to communities in the district, and asked whether the Government would fast-track border services to allow people to access goods from neighboring Indonesia.
“This is a National Government project, and we will complete it,” Mr. Marape said in a statement.
“This road is strategically important for Papua New Guinea. It opens up the central-western part of our country to Indonesia and creates another gateway for trade, investment and services.
“I want to thank the people of North Fly for supporting this important project.”
The Prime Minister said the road is part of the Government’s broader plan to strengthen economic and transport links with Indonesia.
He recalled signing a bilateral agreement with then Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Jakarta in 2021 to improve transport connectivity between the two neighboring countries.
“One of the agreements we signed was to strengthen transport connectivity between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
“We are now delivering on that commitment,” he said.
Mr. Marape said the road will connect to Indonesia’s existing road network through the Papua region to Merauke, creating a reliable overland transport route for people in North Fly, Western Province, West Sepik and surrounding areas.
“All State agencies will go there because this project is for the benefit of the rest of our country,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the new border crossing would improve access to goods, services and markets while strengthening trade and people-to-people links between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
He pointed to the increased movement of Indonesian visitors into Papua New Guinea during Pope Francis’ visit last year as an example of the benefits of stronger cross-border cooperation.
“I assure the Member for North Fly that this will be done,” Mr. Marape said.
“The Indonesian authorities are also preparing for border facilities on their side, and we will establish ours so that our people can enjoy improved access to trade, transport and services.
“This project is about connecting our people, opening up economic opportunities and bringing development to one of the most remote parts of our country.”
Mr. Marape said the North Fly border project forms part of the Government’s wider agenda to improve national connectivity, unlock the economic potential of remote regions and strengthen Papua New Guinea’s partnership with Indonesia through infrastructure and trade.