JAYAPURA - The Papua Provincial Government is encouraging the opening of access to Pelni passenger ship services in Sarmi and Waropen districts.
According to Papua Regional Secretary Ridwan Rumasukun, it is to encourage economic growth in the two regions, through the movement of goods and services.
"There have been pioneer ships that have entered these two areas and are very helpful. But we also need Pelni passenger ships to enter Sarmi and Waropen," said Regional Secretary Rumasukun after leading the Commemoration of the 2024 National Transportation Day.
The ceremony took place in the courtyard of the local Governor's Office, Soa Siu Street Dok II, Jayapura City, Tuesday (17/9/2024) morning.
Not only that, he encouraged the central government to reconsider the limit and lower limit rates for domestic air tickets in Papua. The reason is that airfares outside Papua are still relatively high to date.
"This airfare is indeed the policy of the central government. Please consider that we Papua are not far behind other regions."
"Because expensive flight tickets can reduce tourism potential which will have an impact on the regional economy. Of course, it can also affect regional inflation which has an impact on swelling household needs," he said.
The Regional Secretary added that the level of tourist visits to Papua also affects transportation. Thus, the Papuan tourism sector will run optimally if it has lower airfare.
"Likewise, the regional economy will move if the flight ticket is cheap," he said. ***