Jakarta, Indonesia – Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), has highlighted the government's commitment to accelerating development in Indonesia's eastern regions.

Speaking at a press conference following the National Transmigration Day commemoration, AHY emphasized the significant disparities in infrastructure development between the western and eastern parts of the archipelago.

"There is a special focus on developing Indonesia's eastern regions due to the existing gaps, particularly in infrastructure," AHY stated.

According to AHY, high transportation and logistics costs in eastern Indonesia have significantly increased the overall cost of development projects. He cited a recent report indicating that the cost of construction materials in the mountainous regions of Papua was exceptionally high, despite substantial allocations from special autonomy funds to local governments.

The minister stressed the importance of improving connectivity and transportation networks in these regions to foster economic growth and reduce social and economic disparities.

“This is where our commitment must be evident, to develop Indonesia's eastern regions so that our fellow citizens can also experience economic growth. Social and economic inequality often creates many problems,” he said.

AHY further noted that the Ministry of Transmigration should adopt a new paradigm, ensuring that transmigrants contribute directly to the economic growth of their new communities.

The government has outlined plans to revitalize 45 transmigration areas as part of the 2025-2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), with several of these projects located on the island of Papua.