TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Transportation Ministry will allocate Rp2.55 trillion for the development of strategic tourism areas in 2020. Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said the decision is the ministry's way of supporting the government promote development in four super-priority destinations.

"In accordance with the government's work plan for the 2020 budget year, we will help develop Lake Toba, Mandalika, Labuan Bajo and Borobudur," Budi Karya said at a joint budget work meeting with the House of Representatives Commission V, Tuesday, September 3.

Of the budget, Rp954.8 billion will be allotted for the development of Lake Toba; building ports in 12 locations. The budget will also be used to procure ships and water buses, subsidize land transportation, improve cross-country railway lines along a 105-kilometers track, and construct a runway strip at Sibisa Airport.

The Borobudur area will receive Rp1.2 billion for seven activities, including the construction of the Solo Balapan-Adi Soemarmo Airport railroad, the construction of the Kulomprogo Airport train, and the electrification of the Yogyakarta-Solo line.

The Transportation Ministry will also provide Rp19.4 billion for the Mandalika area for the procurement and installation of road equipment, integrating road transport facilities, and for the operational costs of inter-modal transport subsidies.

Finally, Labuan Bajo will receive Rp292.7 billion for the construction of a passenger terminal, jetty, and field rehabilitation, among others.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA