TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo on Monday inaugurated Tanjung Lesung Tourism Special Economic Zones (KEK) in Panimbang sub-district, Pandeglang regency, Banten. The Rp4.83 trillion project is targeted to finish in 2022.

Banten Culture and Tourism Agency chief-cum-Banten KEK Council secretary, Ali Fadillah, said the operation of Tanjung Lesung KEK was also marked with the groundbreaking ceremony of Marina and Terminal Cruise with investment value of Rp586 billion, by PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II.

Ali said he would see to it that the physcical development of the project would meet the target, and that his party would also take care of administrative matters. “We will prepare all the administrative requirements for the operation of Tanjung Lesung KEK,” said Ali on Monday.

PT Banten West Java has invested Rp1.4 trillion to build Tanjung Lesung KEK, which was projected to become an international tourism site. The project is nestled on land plot measuring 1,500 hectares with a 13 km coastline, complete with world-class integrated facilities.

“Tanjung Lesung has fulfilled three main components as a tourism center: appeal, facilities with international standards and maritime-based tourism activities,” said Ali.

Acting Banten Governor Rano Karno said there are two projects currently developed in Tanjung Lesung: South Banten Airport and Serang-Panimbang toll road. Rano hoped the inauguration of Tanjung Lesung KEK would open up job opportunities. “We hope we will be able to employ at least 70 percent of local workers,” he said.

WASIUL ULUM