ADB Approves $300m for Climate-Resilient Road Project Along Java’s Southern Coast

The major investment is expected to dramatically improve connectivity, reduce travel times, and stimulate economic growth in one of the island’s least developed regions.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $300 million loan to construct around 72 kilometers of disaster-resilient roads along the southern coast of Java, Indonesia. The major investment is expected to dramatically improve connectivity, reduce travel times, and stimulate economic growth in one of the island’s least developed regions.

The funding will support the Trans South-South Java Road Project, a transformative initiative designed to replace existing narrow dirt roads and bridge missing segments that currently force residents to undertake an eight-hour journey between rural areas in Jember and Banyuwangi regencies. Once completed, the new route is expected to reduce that journey to approximately two hours, connecting agricultural communities with major markets, urban centers, schools, health facilities and other essential services.

Addressing Infrastructure Gaps and Building Climate Resilience

ADB Country Director for Indonesia Bobur Alimov emphasized the strategic importance of the project:

“This road project addresses the critical infrastructure gap between Java’s developed northern corridor and its southern regions. 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.”

Java’s southern corridor has long suffered from limited investment and poor access to road networks compared with the more developed north-central region. The project aims to reduce this imbalance and catalyze new economic opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, tourism and small enterprise development.

Climate-Smart Engineering for a Changing Environment

The new road system incorporates a series of climate adaptation measures to reduce vulnerability to extreme weather, including:

• Expanded hydraulic structures to manage stormwater and mitigate flooding

• Nature-based, bioengineered slope protection to stabilize soil and prevent landslides

• Climate-resilient bridges designed to maintain access during extreme events

• Stronger drainage systems to reduce road damage from heavy rainfall

These features align with Indonesia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, ensuring future-proof infrastructure capable of withstanding the increasing intensity of climate-related disasters.

Supporting National Development and ADB’s Strategic Priorities

The project supports Indonesia’s National Long-Term Development Plan 2025–2045, which prioritizes balanced regional development and climate-resilient infrastructure. It also advances ADB’s Country Partnership Strategy for Indonesia, 2025–2029, which focuses on strengthening competitiveness, improving logistics, and promoting inclusive regional development.

By improving accessibility and reducing the cost of transportation, the road is expected to enhance agricultural value chains, strengthen tourism potential along the southern coastline, and attract private investment in underdeveloped areas.

Promoting Gender Equality and Safe Mobility

Gender empowerment is a central feature of the project. At least 10% of skilled construction jobs will be allocated to women—an unprecedented step for rural infrastructure development in the region.

The project will also introduce:

• Road safety programs tailored for women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities

• Community-based initiatives to improve awareness of safe road use

• Measures to prevent gender-based violence and human trafficking, integrated throughout all construction and community engagement processes

These interventions aim to ensure that infrastructure improvements benefit communities inclusively and safely.

A Catalyst for Balanced and Inclusive Growth

By connecting remote villages with economic hubs and ensuring the road system is resilient against natural hazards, the project is expected to:

• Spur local business growth

• Improve access to social services

• Strengthen climate resilience

• Reduce poverty in underserved regions

• Support long-term national economic competitiveness

The ADB’s investment marks a significant step in bridging regional inequity and supporting Indonesia’s sustainable development ambitions.