Merah Putih Bridge cost the state budget (APBN) around Rp 779.2 billion (US 59.52 million dollar).

[3] The bridge was meant to cut travel time between Pattimura Airport on Leihitu Peninsula, Central Maluku Regency in the north, and downtown Ambon City on Lei Timur Peninsula in the south.

[2] Previously, before the construction and completion of Merah Putih Bridge, distance of Pattimura International Airport to Ambon city center is 35 kilometers must be taken approximately for 60 minutes drive around the Bay of Ambon.

The alternative is to use a ferry between the Rumah Tiga village (Poka) and Galela takes about 20 minutes, not including queuing time.

[7] The bridge construction process was delayed due to the earthquake that shook Ambon on December 29, 2015.