Prime Minister James Marape says his government is committed to establishing full border services at the new PNG-Indonesia land border post in North Fly, as the strategic road linking Papua New Guinea to Indonesia nears completion.
Marape made the commitment during a parliament session yesterday (15 July) when responding to a supplementary question from North Fly MP, James Donald.
He said the North Fly border project forms part of the Government’s broader agenda to improve national connectivity, unlock the economic potential of remote regions, and strengthen Papua New Guinea’s partnership with Indonesia through practical infrastructure and trade initiatives.
Donald stated in parliament that due to the impact of prolonged dry conditions and falling water levels along the Fly River, communities have been cut off from the headwaters where they access essential supplies and transportation. The North Fly MP asked whether the Prime Minister would direct the relevant government agencies to immediately establish quarantine, immigration, and other border services at the new border post so that people can access goods and supplies from nearby Indonesia.
Marape responded saying the road link MP Donald referred to is a government project and his administration will ensure it is completed.
“The Government recognized the importance of the new road as an alternative transport and trade corridor. It opens up the central-western part of our country to Indonesia and creates another gateway for trade, investment and services,” said Marape.
Prime Minister Marape said the road formed part of a broader vision to strengthen economic connectivity between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
In 2021, the PNG Government signed a bilateral agreement with then-Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Jakarta to improve transport connectivity between the two neighboring countries. Marape said one of the core elements of the agreement was to strengthen transport connectivity between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
“We are now delivering on that commitment. The new road would connect through the North Fly border into Indonesia’s Papua province linking up with the existing Indonesian road network that extends to Merauke, “said Marape.
So far, the only existing overland network connecting PNG and Indonesia is the road from Vanimo to the Wutung border post in West Sepik Province. The proposed road network, once completed, will provide a reliable transport route for people in North Fly, Western Province, West Sepik, and surrounding areas.
Marape further stated the Government would ensure that all relevant State agencies—including Immigration, Customs, Biosecurity (Quarantine), Police, and other essential border services—would be established at the new crossing.
“All State agencies will go there because this project is for the benefit of the rest of our country,” said Marape.
The Prime Minister said that 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 highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries, pointing to the successful movement of Indonesian visitors into Papua New Guinea during Pope Francis’ visit last year.
“I assure the Member for North Fly that this will be done. 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,” said Marape.
The PM concluded by stating that the project is about connecting communities, opening up economic opportunities, and bringing development to one of the most remote parts of Papua New Guinea.
