JAYAPURA — The governments of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea have agreed to take joint steps to strengthen inter-country connectivity through the finalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for cross-border transportation. The discussions were conducted during the Border Liaison Official Meeting (BLOM) in Wewak, East Pacific Province.

Head of the Papua Provincial Border Management and Cooperation Agency, Suzana Wanggai, explained that the cooperation will serve as the legal foundation for operating DAMRI transportation services on the Jayapura–Vanimo and Vanimo–Jayapura routes. The agreement is expected to facilitate smoother movement of people and goods across the border regions of both countries.

“The meeting recommended the establishment of a technical team between Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation and Papua New Guinea’s Ministry of Transport. This team will ensure readiness for the implementation of the MoU,” Suzana said.

In addition to transportation, the two countries also discussed mechanisms for cross-border vehicle insurance as a form of legal protection and safety for both drivers and passengers.

According to Suzana, the agreement is expected to have a direct impact on enhancing economic and social activities among border communities. “The target is to finalize and implement it before December,” she added. ***