JAYAPURA — The Papua Provincial Government, through the Transportation Agency, has recorded strong public enthusiasm for the free travel program during the return-flow period of Eid 2026, especially for intra-Papua routes, which are largely served by sea transportation.

Acting Head of the Papua Provincial Transportation Agency, Mathius Wally, said this year's free travel program was carried out through two schemes, namely intra-Papua services and cooperation with state-owned enterprises through Pelni ship services.

For the intra-Papua service, which was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and the operator of Belibis Papua Mandiri, a quota of around 8,900 passengers was provided. He said the entire quota, both for the outbound and return trips, had been fully utilized.

"In fact, during the return flow, there was an increase in the number of passengers, especially on the Jayapura–Kasonaweja route and vice versa," he said.

According to him, the high level of public interest in the program shows that sea transportation remains the main mode supporting the mobility of people in Papua.

In line with this, the Papua Provincial Government continues to work to improve the quality of sea transportation services so they become more optimal, including through greater efficiency and shorter travel times.

However, these efforts are still facing regional fiscal limitations, so support is needed from the central government, related ministries, and the private sector.

"We are currently formulating a more comprehensive funding scheme so that the development of sea transportation in Papua can be carried out more optimally," he said.

He expressed hope that the free travel program can continue on a sustainable basis, considering the high level of need and the direct benefits felt by the public. ***