As an archipelagic country comprising of nearly 17 thousand islands, Indonesia needs more ports to increase the number of ships docked in the province and other remote areas.
"The government now has prioritized to build more ports in some regions, including one in Tapaleo," Jokowi stated in the provinces Central Halmahera District.
During the launching ceremony, the president also introduced the districts Wayabuka Port in the Morotai Island and Bicoli Port in East Halmahera District.
"I have spoken to the Transportation Minister (Budi Karya Sumadi) to increase the number of ships en route to the islands," Jokowi noted.
At the launching event, the president also spoke to the locals on how the port has improved their lives.
Basir, one of the villagers, remarked that the port had a positive effect on peoples lives because it simplified the villagers trading activities.
"Thanks to the port, now we could buy groceries and construction materials without any difficulties. The villagers also could ship their products such as nutmeg, copra, and cloves to other islands," he stated.
After launching the ports, Jokowi was scheduled to introduce some programs, including the Kartu Indonesia Sehat (KIS) for universal healthcare, the Kartu Indonesia Pintar (KIP) for free education, and the Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) for family planning.
During his trip, the president was assisted by the First Lady Iriana and several high officials, including Land and Spatial Planning Minister Sofyan Djalil, Education and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy, Health Minister Nina Moeloek, Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa, and the head of Presidential Chief of Staff Teten Masduki.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
