Ministry Supports Two Ports Development in Mentawai

id mentawai

Ministry Supports Two Ports Development in Mentawai

Ridwan Djamaluddin. (ANTARA SUMBAR/Agung Pambudi)

Mentawai, (Antaranews Sumbar) -Authorized Infrastructure of Maritim Ministry, Ridwan Djamaluddin supports the development of two ports in Mentawai Islands District, West Sumatra in order to support the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of tourism in the area.

"The construction of two ports namely Mabukkuk and Bajau Port are our priority," Ridwan said during a working visit in Mentawai on Friday.

He explained that the two ports will be the main gateway and an important part in the development of SEZ area in Siberut Island.

Furthermore, he said, Mentawai in terms of natural resources is considered very potential, but it must be supported with ease of access to get into Mentawai.

"So that it should be efforts to increase the facilities, whether it is a port, a good airport, roads and hotels. These are things we must coordinate," he noted.

On the occasion, Ridwan hopes SEZ development has a positive impact on community. It means that there should be community empowerment if SEZ has been built.

"Do not let the good and improved tourism industry but the community is not empowered," he remarked.

Regent of Mentawai Islands, Judas Sabaggalet said, the development of the two ports in addition to support SEZ Tourism, it also became an access to reach other isolated areas in Mentawai.

"Surely, the port also has a positive impact on people's economy," he stated.

He further mentioned that the port of Mabukkuk spend the budget of Rp40 billion, while the Port of Bajau amounted to Rp74 billion.

Specifically, for the port of Labuan Bajau, the company is currently clearing the five hectares of grant from local community.

The start of the Labuan Bajau harbor begins in 2019 and it is targeted for completion by 2020. (cha)