Please also calculate the urgency for the setting up of KEK (special economic zone) in Papua ..."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has asked for the acceleration of the development of special economic zone in Sorong, West Papua.

He made the request during a limited cabinet meeting on the economic zone at his office here on Tuesday.

"The agenda of this meeting is acceleration of the preparations for the development of the economic zone in Papua, especially In Sorong, West Papua," he said.

In particular the president has called for serious preparations with regard to its location, zoning, land, infrastructure, transportation and also institution.

The president on the occasion also ordered thorough calculation with regard to the urgency for the setting up of a special economic zone in Papua.

"Please also calculate the urgency for the setting up of KEK (special economic zone) in Papua as it also has to do with availability of raw materials there. Secondly it certainly is connected with market. Electricity supply will also be very important to support KEKs sustainability. In view of that preparations for KEK establishment in Sorong must be calculated," he said.

President Joko Widodo has called for special attention to the matter. "Our experience with Batam must be paid attention to. I do not want institutional problems to hinder our development efforts and also overlapping with the authorities of regionsl government to happen," he warned.

Jokowi as the president is also called said development in both Papua and West Papua provinces must be expedited.

He said developing Papua is not only about connectivity such as building bridges, streets, airports or seaports but "we must also create industrial zones and economic growth centers in Papua so that ships that come to and go from Papua through toll sea roads will be full of goods produced in Papua."

In view of that the President also urged for the intergration of sea toll roads with industrial zones and production centers in Papua.

(Reporting by Hanni Sofia Soepardi/Uu.H-YH/KR-BSR/O001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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