RIAU ISLANDS - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi reviewed the development of transportation infrastructure which will be developed at Tanjung Balai Karimun, Riau Islands, Saturday (1/2). Transportation infrastructure that is being developed on one of the outer islands in Indonesia are Raja Haji Abdullah Airport (RHA) and Malarko Port.
“I was mandated by the President to continue infrastructure development especially in the outermost, remote, backward and border areas (3TP) to improve connectivity between regions in Indonesia. Tanjung Balai Karimun is a very strategic outermost area facing other countries (Singapore and Malaysia). Therefore this is our main concern," explained the Minister of Transportation.
The Minister of Transportation explained, the existing Malarko Port (in the area) of Tanjung Balai Karimun will be used as an Ocean Port or port that can be visited by large vessels, which have complete facilities for loading and unloading goods for export and import, and are equipped with warehouses.
Meanwhile, related to the construction of Raja Haji Abdullah Airport, Minister of Transportation Budi said he would extend the runway to 2000 meters so that the Boeing 737 could land. It is targeted that by the end of 2021 it will be finished and the Minister of Transportation will report it to the President to inaugurate it.
The Minister of Transportation revealed, it would cost around Rp 200 billion for the construction of the Port and Rp 100 billion for the Construction of the Airport. Financing for port will be collaborated with Regional and Private Governments. (LM)