REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANDAR LAMPUNG -- The government is expediting the development of transportation infrastructure in Lampung, which plays an important role in smoothing the flow of traffic between Sumatra and Java, President Joko Widodo said.
"The development of Lampung needs our attention so it can help to accelerate several other national projects that start from there," President Joko Widodo said while inaugurating the operation of three new ferries and Bakauheni Port's pier VI here on Saturday.
He added that the central government was now speeding up the development of both land infrastructure and inter-island connectivity in Lampung.
Jokowi, as the president is fondly called, emphasized that improving inter-island infrastructure is important because two-thirds of Indonesia's territory comprises seas.
"It is now time for us to focus (on inter-island connectivity)," the president remarked.
Unlike their past perception, Indonesians must become aware that the sea is the country's future, Jokowi pointed out.
"As part of efforts to develop sea connectivity, we added three ferries and another pier, Pier VI, which will connect the Bakauheni-Palembang toll road," he stated.
Jokowi further noted that ferry services are being developed by providing larger ships that can accommodate more passengers, while the smaller ships will be shifted to operate in the eastern part of the country.
The three new ferries launched are KMP Sebuku, KMP Batu Mandi and KMP Legund.
Moreover, Transportation Minister Ignatius Jonan said that the funds to purchase the ferries, which amounted to Rp161 billion, and to develop the port were taken from the multi-year state budget of 2012.
The construction of the port cost Rp120 billion.
Jonan added that the ships will be handed over to state-owned seaport operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry.
"PT ASDP is expected to be able to procure its own ships later," the minister revealed.
The three ferries have the capacity to carry 812 passengers and 142 vehicles and are expected to serve the Merak-Bakauheni ferry ports.
"In the future, we hope that large ships with a capacity of more than 5,000 GT will be operated to do away with the need to build 10 piers. Smaller ships will be shifted to moor at smaller piers. This way, ferry services for Eid Fitr travelers can be sped up," Jonan explained.
On the occasion, Governor of Lampung M. Ridho Ficarfdo said that the inauguration of Bakauheni Port's pier VI and introduction of the three ferries will help in smoothing the flow of traffic and logistics, particularly in the face of Eid Fitr festivities that follow the fasting month.
"The transportation minister came to Lampung several times to improve the transport system of Sumatra, particularly of Lampung. We certainly welcome it for the progress of this province," he remarked.
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