Hence, I invite all parties to think far ahead, so that later the Batam-Bintan Bridge can be used as best as possible to support economic growth, regional development, and most importantly, for the welfare of people in Batam and Bintan and the Riau IJakarta (ANTARA) - The Batam-Bintan Bridge will drive economic growth around the industrial area and boost welfare in the Riau Islands Province, according to Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko.
While inspecting the location of the Batam-Bintan Bridge project in Batam, Friday, Moeldoko noted that the infrastructure project had also become a National Strategic Project (PSN) in accordance with the 2020-2024 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN).
Hence, construction of the bridge, located in the Riau Islands Province, will get facilities.
"Hence, I invite all parties to think far ahead, so that later the Batam-Bintan Bridge can be used as best as possible to support economic growth, regional development, and most importantly, for the welfare of people in Batam and Bintan and the Riau Islands, in general," Moeldoko noted in a written statement.
Citing the president’s mandate, Moeldoko remarked that the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) will ensure that the construction of Batam-Bintan Bridge runs smoothly. If there are obstacles, KSP will solve them quickly and precisely.
"In essence, the government will make every effort to accelerate development, so that the Batam-Bintan Bridge can be built immediately and become operational, thereby having a positive impact on the community," he remarked.
To accelerate development, Moeldoko urged the Ministry of Public Works and Housing along with the Riau Islands provincial government to prepare all planning appropriately, especially pertaining to the acceleration of licensing and land acquisition.
"This is because it is a form of synergy between the central government, regional governments, and business entities," Moeldoko affirmed.
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Moeldoko also encouraged the cooperation of business entities, both state-owned enterprises and private, to invite investors to participate in the Batam-Bintan Bridge Government-Business Entity Cooperation (PPP) auction to be conducted by the government in the near future.
The Batam-Bintan Bridge is planned to have a length of 14.76 kilometers. This project will require an investment of Rp13.66 trillion, with a construction cost of Rp9.78 trillion.
The Ministry of Public Works and Housing has conducted market sounding assessments to attract potential investors for the Batam-Bintan Bridge Project on April 30, 2020, and May 6, 2021.
Currently, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing is finalizing the Final Business Case (FBC) and Basic Design.
The Riau Islands provincial government will also prepare a proposed location determination and KA-ANDAL documents, as the party that will conduct land acquisition and management of environmental permits.
In addition, along with the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, the Riau Islands provincial government is drafting a Mutual Agreement text on the division of responsibilities for construction of the Batam-Bintan Bridge.
The Ministry of Public Works and Housing has prepared a proposed document for the construction of the Batam-Bintan Bridge in the 2021 Foreign Loan Priority Plan List (DRPPLN / Green Book) amounting to US$300 million, or equivalent to Rp3.34 trillion, to provide construction support to improve investment feasibility for investors.
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EDITED BY INE
Translator: Indra Pribadi, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
