Jokowi to Launch Makassar New Port Project Next Week

TEMPO.CO, Makassar - Mulyono, President Director of PT Pelabuhan Indonesia IV, said on Wednesday, May 13, 2015, that President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo will be in Makassar on May 20 for the groundbreaking of Makassar's new port project, which is the milestone for Jokowi's sea toll project.

The first phase of the project will be built on a 150-hectare land that can withstand up to 1,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) containers. Pelindo IV had received Rp 3 trillions of loan from Bank Mandiri to build facilities and modernize loading and unloading equipment.

The port infrastructure development project is not only in Makassar, but also in all Pelindo IV's working regions. "This is done to support President Joko Widodo's sea toll program," said Mulyono.

Makassar New Port project aims to meet Makassar's needs for container ports and support national logistic system, especially in East Indonesia.

The port will later be integrated with train lines for goods in South Sulawesi to east transport of goods. "The port will increase vessel traffic growth in eastern Indonesia," said Mulyono.

Riman S. Duyo, Branch Manager of PT Pelindo Makassar said that ports in Makassar will begin renovation to support sea toll program.

According to Riman, renovating the port's passenger terminals requires Rp 7.9 billion, with Rp 3 billion for interior renovation, Rp 6 billion for airbridge procurement and Rp 1.6 billion for travelator procurement.

Riman added that the renovation will hopefully increase the number of passengers entering Makassar port.

MUHAMMAD YUNUS