The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $300 million loan to support the construction of approximately 72 kilometers of disaster-resilient roads along the southern coast of Java, Indonesia. The Trans South-South Java Road Project aims to significantly enhance connectivity, economic development, and climate resilience in rural regions of East Java Province.
The project will transform existing narrow and incomplete dirt roads—currently requiring eight hours of travel time between Jember and Banyuwangi regencies—into a modern, climate-resilient roadway system that will reduce travel time to about two hours. This improvement is expected to increase access to markets, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for agricultural communities.
ADB Country Director for Indonesia Bobur Alimov highlighted that the initiative addresses a long-standing infrastructure gap between Java’s developed northern corridor and the underserved southern regions. The project incorporates climate-resilient engineering, including:
- Enhanced hydraulic structures to mitigate flooding
- Bioengineered slope protection using nature-based solutions
- Climate-resilient bridges ensuring access during extreme weather
These upgrades align with Indonesia’s climate goals under the Paris Agreement and support the National Long-Term Development Plan 2025–2045, as well as ADB’s country partnership strategy for 2025–2029.
The project also prioritizes gender equality and social inclusion by committing that at least 10% of skilled construction jobs will be filled by women and implementing comprehensive road-safety programs addressing the needs of women, children, and persons with disabilities. Community training initiatives will promote safe road use and include safeguards against gender-based violence and human trafficking.
By improving rural-urban connectivity and enhancing climate-resilient infrastructure, the project will help balance economic development across Java and strengthen livelihood opportunities for local communities.
