Connectivity the Lever of Economic Growth in Southeast Sulawesi

KOMPAS/SAIFUL RIJAL YUNUS

Hundreds of residents came to the Kendari Bay Bridge which was recently inaugurated by President Joko Widodo in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, Thursday (22/10/2020).

KENDARI, KOMPAS - Infrastructure development such as the construction of the Kendari Bay Bridge in Southeast Sulawesi is expected to increase connectivity and to become a lever of economic growth in the province. With better infrastructure, the development of industries, services and tourism will be easier, which will in turn drive economic growth and improve people\'s welfare.

The 1.34-kilometer bridge, the construction of which began in 2015 with a total cost of Rp 800 billion (US$55.17 million) was inaugurated by President Joko Widodo on Thursday (22/10/2020). The bridge connects the Kota Lama Harbor area with Bungkutoko Island and Poasia district. Before the bridge was built, people had to take a ferry to cross Kendari Bay or drive around the bay for 20 kilometers.

The bridge shortens the travel time from 30 to 40 minutes previously to only about 5 minutes. The ease of access will make the transportation of goods, services and people more efficient. In addition, the Kendari Bay Bridge was also built to improve the connectivity to the Konawa area and Bungkutoko Port which will be developed into an industrial area, a new port and a new residential area.

With this way, it will become a lever for productivity and competitiveness, as well as to create new centers of economic growth.

According to the President, all infrastructure projects, including toll roads, airports, bridges and sea ports, must have added value. Apart from being able to integrate industrial areas, infrastructure projects must also be able to link agriculture, plantations and other areas. "With this way, it will become a lever for productivity and competitiveness, as well as to create new centers of economic growth. Of course we hope it will also create more jobs, ”said the President.

On Thursday, the President also inaugurated a new sugar factory in Bombana regency, Southeast Sulawesi. The sugar factory which was built by PT Prima Alam Gemilang with investment of Rp 5 trillion employs about 15,000 workers.

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"Opening an industry, opening a sugar factory, and most importantly creating jobs for the community. This is the most important point I want to underline," said the President at the opening ceremony which was also attended by, among others, Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, and the governor of Southeast Sulawesi, Ali Mazi.

The sugar factory with a capacity of up to 12,000 tons per day was built in 2016. To meet raw materials for production, the factory uses sugar cane from plasma farmers (people’s plantations) of more than 20,000 hectares. In addition to opening new jobs, the factory is expected to meet the shortage of sugar supply, which reaches 3.7 million tons per year, and to reduce Indonesia\'s dependence on imported sugar.

Balang Island Bridge

DOKUMENTASI BPJN KALTIM

The construction of the Balang Island Bridge in Balikpapan Bay, East Kalimantan, has reached 92 percent and is targeted to be connected by the end of October 2020.

From Balikpapan, it was reported that the construction of the Pulau Balang Bridge in Balikpapan Bay, East Kalimantan had reached 92 percent and is targeted to be completed by the end of this month. The bridge, one of the 2020-2024 national strategic projects, connects Balikpapan and North Penajam Paser regency.

The head of the development of national roads in East Kalimantan, Junaidi, said that the bridge was initially scheduled for completion in December this year. As the construction work can be done more quickly, the bridge will be completed by the end of October ahead of the original schedule.

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Although, the construction can be completed this year, it will not be immediately opened because the construction of the approach (access) road from Balikpapan is still in the land acquisition stage.

The head of the highway division at the Public Works, Spatial Planning, and Public Housing Office in East Kalimantan, Irhamsyah, said that the local government was preparing the land acquisition for the 15.5-km approach road. "Currently we are waiting for the determination of the location which will be issued by the Balikpapan city administration," said Irhamsyah.