The Provincial Governments of Papua and Papua New Guinea (PNG) agreed to reopen the border gate in Skouw Wutung, Muartami District, Jayapura City, at the end of this month when cases of COVID-19 transmission begin to be controlled.

This was conveyed by the Head of the Border and Foreign Cooperation Agency (BPKLN) of Papua Province, Suzana Wanggai in Jayapura, Wednesday (7/7/2021).

The both countries have actually agreed to reopen the border, only specifically for the trade of goods on June 21, 2021. However, due to the number of COVID-19 cases in both countries that began to rise, so it was agreed to delay.

"Previously there had been a meeting between Indonesia and PNG regarding the opening of the border gate, because people from both countries in this border region need each other. It was then agreed to open on Tuesday and Thursday. But the next meeting agreed to be postponed".

"Now there is a plan for 21 July we will do the opening, but that will obviously be determined from the Covid-19 situation in both countries. That is, if the transmission decreases and can be controlled. Because we need to keep our country safe from the COVID-19 pandemic," explained Suzana.

Meanwhile, ahead of the opening of the RI-PNG border gate, the instruments needed have been prepared, such as the completeness of letters and other equipment to support health protocols.

It is known that the RI-PNG border in Skouw has been closed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic since last year.