"The target is next year. (Renovation of) all airports, (Special Economic Zone of) Likupang, Bitung, and Lembeh Island, will be completed by next year. We are upbeat about also completing the project for bridges and some other facilities near the beach," Jokowi stated at the Bunaken National Park jetty here on Friday.
The president and First Lady Iriana had visited Bunaken National Park for reviewing some facilities in the area.
Jokowi enjoyed the sights of Bunaken's popular underwater park through the glass-floor of the boat's hull.
"Tourists are eager to come, but the (airport's) runway is not long enough, its terminal is too small, and many products need to be improved," the president pointed out.
Jokowi will hold further discussions with his aides regarding the area's spatial planning before he returns to the capital city.
"Once spatial planning for the city and the tourism center, both of them can be completed, we will move maybe to Labuan Bajo (East Nusa Tenggara) that is facing the same problem," he remarked.
Funding for the renovation will be sourced from the state budget. "This should have a positive impact on the economic growth and benefit the public. Infrastructure must positively impact investment and the economy and directly impact the public," he noted.
The president's entourage also comprised Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Darmin Nasution, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Minister Sofyan Djalil, Justice and Human Rights Affairs Minister Yasonna Laoly, North Sulawesi Governor Olly Dondokambey, and Presidential Special Staff Johan Budi.
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Translator: Desca Lidya, Sri Haryati
Editor: Azizah Fitriyanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
