"In the near future, we will invite the heads of Kadin throughout Indonesia, and at the same time, I will explain the potential wealth and quality of Buton asphalt to be managed nationally," Head of Southeast Sulawesi Kadin Anton Timbang noted in a statement in Kendari, Wednesday.
Timbang said that in order to realize the plan, he had, so far, coordinated with Governor of Southeast Sulawesi Ali Mazi, so that President Joko Widodo's target of making Buton asphalt usable nationally in 2024 will be realized soon.
"However, we also hope that the active role of the provincial and district and city governments throughout Southeast Sulawesi will set an example, so that the use of Buton asphalt begins with the implementation of the construction of provincial roads and road sections in districts and cities," he stated.
Meanwhile, Head of Commission III of the Regional House of Representatives Suwandi Andi fully supported the strategic steps and breakthrough of the head of Southeast Sulawesi Kadin Anton Timbang to hold a national meeting of all heads of Kadin to discuss the utilization of the potential Buton asphalt mine that will be used nationally.
"We hope that all local governments in 17 districts and cities will fully support the planned meeting of all Kadin heads in Southeast Sulawesi, so that the national utilization of Buton asphalt will be realized nationally for the prosperity and welfare of our people," Andi stated.
Buton District is one of the areas in Indonesia with the most potential for asphalt natural resources, reaching up to 662 million tons of asphalt, or can be managed for hundreds of years to come.
So far, obstacles faced in the management of Buton asphalt nationally are due to the absence of regulations emphasizing its use.
However, during a working visit to Pasarwajo in Buton District at the end of September 2022, President Jokowi gave the go-ahead to issue a Presidential Decree (Kepres) on the use of Buton asphalt in the construction of road infrastructure in Indonesia in 2024.
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Translator: Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Sri Haryati
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