Rice Distribution To Papua And West Papua 'Run Smoothly' Because Of This

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Sea Toll Service on the T-19 route across Papua answers the problem of the non-absorption of Merauke rice due to the high cost of sea transportation. On the 6th voyage, KM Logistik Nusantara 2 transported 56 containers of rice from Merauke, after previously on the 5th voyage, they transported 19 containers of superior commodities.

Since the T-19 route was launched by the Ministry of Transportation cq the Directorate General of Sea Transportation earlier this year, it has successfully answered the issue of rice distribution in Papua - West Papua. The 6th voyage payload is the largest during the existence of the Sea Highway with the T-19 Route.

"On this 6th voyage, the T-19 Sea Toll Transport will transport 56 containers containing the superior commodity of rice from Merauke Regency", said Head of Jayapura Port Authority and Harbormaster Office (KSOP) Class II, Taher Laitupa, in a written statement, Monday, June 14.

He revealed that since the existence of the T-19 route, the flow of logistics distribution, especially rice to all regions in Papua and West Papua, has become more efficient. The reason is that the route is no longer to the Java region, but specifically only in Papua - West Papua.

As for the T-19 route, originating in Merauke, the route includes Merauke - Kokas - Sorong - Korido - Depapre (Jayapura) - Sorong - Merauke and is served by the KM Logistik Nusantara 2 ship which started operating earlier this year.

"From the 56 containers of rice, 24 containers of rice were sent to Jayapura Regency via the Depapre Port and arrived on June 9, 2021", he said.

The Sea Toll Service for the T-19 route has increased every voyage and on this 6th voyage, the increase is very significant. A total of 56 containers containing the main commodity of Merauke Regency, namely rice are transported and distributed to the Papua and West Papua regions, one of which is to the Depapre Port for distribution to Jayapura Regency.

"Because the Depapre Port is a supporter for logistics distribution lines in the hinterland area which includes 14 districts in Papua Province", he said.

Head of Sea Transportation Traffic Section, Willem Thobias Fofid revealed that the significant increase in the T-19 Sea Toll Road is the result of cooperation and synergy between the Merauke Regency and Jayapura Regency Governments, the ALFI/ILFA Transportation Management Service Association, and a form of concern from local entrepreneurs as Shipper and Consignee who continue to cooperate with State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), in this case, is Perum Logistics Agency (Bulog).

The Merauke Logistics Agency is collaborating with a farmer alliance to be able to distribute superior commodities to all districts in Papua and West Papua.

The presence of the T-19 Sea Toll Road will also enliven the commercial route in southern Papua, and increase regional economic growth and help reduce price disparities in the 3TP area, said ALFI/ILFA Papua Chairman Joseph Fonataba during loading and unloading activities in Jayapura.

Also present, the Head of the Jayapura Regency Transportation Service, Alfons Awaitouw at the Port of Depapre, explained that the leading commodities transported by the T-19 Sea Toll as a return cargo to Merauke were Ciping Stone, Ash Rock, and Sand from the Port of Depapre, Jayapura Regency continued to experience an increase in the level of demand in Merauke Regency.