TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is eyeing to complete the construction of two crossing ports in Bali by mid-2021 in order to ease tourist mobilization. They are Sampalan Port on Nusa Penida Island and Bias Munjul Port on Nusa Ceningan Island.

“Inshallah, both ports can be completed within nine months or by mid-2021,” said Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi in his statement on Monday, August 3.

The groundbreaking ceremony of the ports was held by Budi Karya and Bali Governor I Wayan Koster on Monday, August 3.

Budi said the ports were expected to support the tourism industry in the province as they would be the ports of the golden triangle of Bali, Sanur, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Ceningan/Lembongan, which were connected with Sanur Port in Denpasar.

Budi hoped the construction project would expedite the tourism recovery in the area due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As ordered by President Jokowi, Bali will be designed as the super hub-tourism for domestic tourists, as well as tourists of Southeast Asia up to Australia.

Governor I Wayan Koster, meanwhile, stated the ports would ease the access to reach the Bali golden triangle. Thus, it will increase the number of both local and international tourists.

Additionally, the ports on Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan will support the religious activities of Bali people, Koster said.

Read: MPR Speaker Praises Bali's Efforts to Boost Economic Recovery

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA