"Madura lags behind in development, and thus it needs incentive. It is an effort to encourage development in Madura to improve the economy in the region," Kalla noted at the Vice Presidential office in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The Suramadu national bridge was constructed in August 2003 to improve local people`s economy, in order to have alternative mode of land transportation, in addition to sea transportation, for trading.
However, since the bridge was inaugurated in June 10, 2009, the government did not see any significant improvement in local economy.
"There was a plan to establish an industrial estate there in Madura, but until now industries are still reluctant. This is one way to ease mobility in Madura, by make it free, as a non-toll road," Kalla stated.
Previously, former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has inquired President Joko Widodo to elaborate background of his decision to make Suramadu National Bridge as a free non-toll road.
"People want to know why it is only applied to Suramadu. I also heard some people who want a free Jagorawi toll road, as the toll road has been operated for a long time," Yudhoyono pointed out.
Reporting by Fransiska Ninditya
Editing by Sri Haryati
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Andi Abdussalam
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
