NABIRE, bhayaksa.net — The Provincial Government of Central Papua officially operated the inaugural subsidized pioneer flight route from Nabire to Sugapa, Intan Jaya Regency, on Monday (24/8/2026). This strategic step was taken to break the chain of geographical isolation that has long restricted communities in the remote mountainous regions of Papua.
This affordable air transportation program is a concrete follow-up to the commitment previously launched symbolically by the Governor of Central Papua, Meki Nawipa, S.H., during the commemoration of the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia at the Old Nabire Airport on August 17, 2026.
Here is an in-depth report on the operation of the subsidized flight service for the public:
Reaching Six Mountainous Regencies
To implement this program, the Central Papua Provincial Government partnered with PT Associated Mission Aviation (AMA), a pioneer airline that has mastered the extreme terrain and pioneered various remote airstrips in the interior of Papua for decades.
The subsidized flights are designed to serve connectivity across six regencies within the Central Papua Province. The flight schedule and frequency are organized based on regional needs as follows:
- Intan Jaya Regency (Nabire – Sugapa round-trip): Operating 3 times a week.
- Puncak Regency (Nabire – Ilaga round-trip): Operating 3 times a week.
- Puncak Jaya Regency (Nabire – Mulia round-trip): Operating 3 times a week.
- Paniai Regency (Nabire – Enarotali round-trip): Operating 2 times a week.
- Deiyai Regency (Nabire – Waghete round-trip): Operating 2 times a week.
- Dogiyai Regency (Nabire – Moanemani round-trip): Operating 2 times a week.
Boosting the Economy and Access to Basic Services
Affordable air transportation access is the main lifeline for mountainous communities. For a long time, the high cost of chartering non-subsidized commercial aircraft has directly caused the prices of basic commodities to skyrocket in the interior.
Through this air freight subsidy, the government hopes to significantly cut logistics price disparities. In addition to economic recovery, the presence of these subsidized planes eases the mobilization of teachers, medical personnel, and emergency patients who require rapid medical handling to the provincial capital in Nabire.
Cracking Down on Ticket Scalping
Aware of the vulnerability to aid misappropriation, the Acting Head of the Central Papua Transportation Agency, Ewonggen Kokoya, emphasized that field supervision will be tightened to ensure the subsidy reaches the right target. The Transportation Agency, alongside the Central Papua Regional Legislative Council (DPR), is fully committed to eradicating all forms of pioneer aircraft ticket scalping.
“These subsidized tickets are purely the right of the common people. We will not tolerate any individuals trying to take personal advantage. If the public finds any price manipulation above the official rate, report it immediately so we can take decisive action,” Ewonggen stated.
Local residents welcomed the inaugural operation and hoped that the flight quota would remain consistent to support the daily activities of interior communities that have long been left behind in terms of transportation accessibility.
Reporter: Yanpiet Sokoy
Editor: bhayaksa.net Team
