According to a statement released by the Presidential Secretariat here on Wednesday, the development of connectivity infrastructure on Nias Island is aimed at opening up the isolated western and northern regions of Nias and reducing extreme poverty.
A number of districts on Nias Island have been designated as underdeveloped areas with extreme poverty, as per Presidential Regulation No. 63 of 2020.
Therefore, the government has issued Presidential Instruction No. 4 of 2022 on the Acceleration of Elimination of Extreme Poverty.
The infrastructure development in Nias is part of efforts to support the instruction, and is being carried out by the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing.
While observing infrastructure in West Nias, Widodo received an explanation from the head of the North Sumatra National Road Implementation Center, Brawijaya.
According to Brawijaya, the center will build a 24-kilometer road in 2023, which will be a part of the Nias Ring Road that connects cities and districts on Nias Island.
"In addition, we will also handle (road infrastructure) from Gunungsitoli city to West Nias, and Lahomi to Sirombu. It is actually a provincial road," he said.
Meanwhile, the 50-meter Idano Sibolou Bridge was completed in 2021, with a budget of Rp13.74 billion.
In North Nias, the President reviewed the project to improve the Laehuwa-Ombolata-Tumula-Faekhuna'a road infrastructure, which connects North Nias to Gunungsitoli city, on Wednesday.
A budget of Rp32.36 billion will be used for the upgrade of the Laehuwa-Ombulata-Tumula-Faekhuna'a road in 2022.
Widodo said he hopes that the project will boost economic growth on Nias Island, so that regional commodities such as coconut and fish can compete in markets.
Improved road infrastructure will also have a positive impact on the island's tourism, he added.
"Because in here, (surfing) is in great demand," he said.
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Translator: Indra P, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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