TEMPO.CO, Batam - During his visit to Natuna on Wednesday, January 8, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo ensured the construction project of a bridge connecting Batam to Bintan will kick off in 2021, said the acting governor of Riau Islands Isdianto.

"Alhamdulillah (Praise to God), Pak President asserts that Batam Bintan bridge will begin in 2021. Thanks to the prayers and support of Riau Islands people," Isdianto said at Raden Sadjad Airport, Ranai, Natuna after seeing off the President on Wednesday, January 8.

To Isdianto, this is the best new year gift for his people as they had awaited the government’s commitment to the development of the region.

At the end of 2019, the team of Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment conducted studies related to the bridge construction. They also traced the path connecting Batam to Bintan.

"This is a step forward. We hope this to be executed soon. This has a tremendous impact on economic growth in Riau Islands and national as well," Isdianto remarked.

"We hope some of the agendas in the 2020-2024 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) will be implemented quickly, that not only the integrated development of Batam-Bintan but also the tourism priority destinations, as well as the synergy on the development of leading commodities in Riau Islands included in the plan," he added.

President Jokowi held a work visit to Natuna to meet with fishers at Lampa Strait Integrated Marine Center and distributed land certificates at the Regent's Office, accompanied by Military or TNI Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Edhy Prabowo, and Deputy Minister of Agrarian Surya Chandra.

YOGI EKA SAHPUTRA