Jakarta. Improved connectivity is playing an increasingly important role in expanding access to public services and economic opportunities across Indonesia's archipelagic regions. On Obi Island in South Halmahera, North Maluku, the construction of the Akelamo Bridge and Panji Baru Port is helping improve mobility, broaden access to essential services, and support local economic activities.

“Sustainable economic growth can only be achieved when communities have better access to development opportunities. That is why strengthening connectivity remains one of our priorities as we work together with the government and local communities to support inclusive and sustainable development,” said Harita Nickel Executive Vice President for External Relations Latif Supriadi in Jakarta on Thursday.

Limited connectivity remains one of the main development challenges in many of Indonesia’s island regions, including Obi Island in South Halmahera. For years, access to public services has significantly influenced the social and economic activities of local communities.

“In the past, residents had to adjust their travel plans according to river currents and weather conditions,” said Soligi Village Head Madaisi La Siriali, describing the challenges of inter-village travel.

One of the biggest obstacles faced by residents was the Akelamo River, the largest and longest river on Obi Island, which for years separated land access between Soligi and Kawasi villages. Before the bridge was built, residents relied on pontoons to cross the river, making daily activities highly dependent on weather conditions and river currents.

According to Madaisi, these conditions often disrupted mobility, including access to healthcare and education services, as well as economic activities.

“Access is now safer, faster, and more efficient. It has made it much easier for residents to reach healthcare facilities and schools,” he said.

The benefits began to be felt after the Akelamo Bridge became operational in early 2025. The bridge connecting Kawasi and Soligi has not only reduced travel time but also expanded opportunities for social and economic activities.

Improved access has also facilitated the distribution of agricultural and fishery products, which serve as the primary source of livelihood for many coastal communities on Obi Island. Mobility constraints that previously hindered economic activities have eased, enabling stronger economic interactions between regions.

“We can now better organize and coordinate our trading activities. Residents of Soligi and Kawasi can work together more easily because land access is now available,” said Kawasi Village Head Arifin Saroa.

In addition to the Akelamo Bridge, connectivity improvements have also been supported by the development of Panji Baru Port in Kawasi, which has become an important transportation hub for local communities. The port, which stretches more than 200 meters, serves passenger mobility and goods distribution to several destinations across North Maluku, including Laiwui, Labuha, and Ternate.

Latif said infrastructure development is part of the company’s long-term efforts to ensure communities surrounding its operational areas have better access to development opportunities.

“Infrastructure connects people to opportunities. When communities have better access, they can more easily reach education, healthcare services, markets, and economic activities that ultimately contribute to improving welfare,” he said.

These efforts align with President Prabowo Subianto’s development agenda, which positions infrastructure as a key instrument for strengthening economic growth and promoting more equitable development across regions.

On Obi Island, the benefits are already becoming evident. Infrastructure that once represented a basic community need is now evolving into a foundation for greater mobility, stronger economic activity, and improved quality of life in the island region.