JAKARTA — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $300 million loan to construct approximately 72 kilometers of disaster-resilient roads along the southern coast of Java, Indonesia, improving connectivity and spurring economic development in the island’s southern regions.
The Trans South-South Java Road Project will upgrade the existing narrow dirt road with missing links that currently requires an eight-hour journey between rural agricultural areas in Jember and Banyuwangi regencies in East Java Province. The new roads will connect these communities to economic centers and markets, reducing travel time to about two hours and improving access to services, education, and economic opportunities.
“This road project addresses the critical infrastructure gap between Java’s developed northern corridor and its southern regions,” said ADB Country Director for Indonesia Bobur Alimov. “By incorporating climate-resilient design and bioengineering solutions, we are creating sustainable infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events and improve national and rural connectivity.”
The project employs climate change adaptation measures, including enhanced hydraulic structure capacity to mitigate flood risks, bioengineered slope protection using nature-based solutions, and climate-resilient bridges to provide alternative access during extreme weather events. These measures align with Indonesia’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
By supporting Indonesia’s National Long-Term Development Plan 2025–2045 and ADB’s country partnership strategy for Indonesia, 2025–2029, the project will advance the country’s competitiveness and strengthen the resilience of its infrastructure. It will help balance economic development between Java’s well-connected north-central regions and the southern coast, where agricultural communities have limited road access to markets and services.
The project underscores gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, with at least 10% of skilled construction jobs reserved for women and comprehensive road safety programs designed to address the specific needs of women, children, and persons with disabilities. Community-based road safety initiatives will educate residents about safe road use, while measures to prevent gender-based violence and human trafficking will be integrated throughout project implementation.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
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