In detail, the five projects were the capacity expansion of two roads, construction of the Pepera 1969 bridge, development of the Sanggeng Modern Market, and arrangement of the Borarsi public open space.
"The government will commence working on the strategic projects this year," VP Amin remarked, adding that his visit to the province serves as proof of the central government's commitment to investing tremendous efforts to develop Indonesia's Papua provinces.
The efforts align with Presidential Regulation on the 2021-2041 Master Plan for the Acceleration of Papua's Development.
"The development acceleration (efforts) are being exerted within the Papua special autonomy concept," he stated.
Cipta Karya Director General at the Public Works and Housing (PUPR) Ministry Diana Kusumastuti explained that the government is aiming to complete the works on the Sanggeng Modern Market and Borarsi by 2024.
The central government is allocating a budget totaling Rp168.2 billion (US$11 million) from the State Budget (APBN) for developing the 2.7-hectare modern market.
The director general expressed hope that all preparations would soon be completed, so the government can start working on the projects in August this year.
She then noted that the modern market will host 1,016 stalls and 394 kiosks, and the ministry will be applying the green building concept for the development in accordance with President Joko Widodo's directive.
"We aim to supplement the market with a parking lot and a green open space," she revealed.
Furthermore, she said, the government is bearing costs amounting to Rp70 billion (US$4.6 million) for arrangement of the Borarsi public open space.
The public space is projected to be equipped with a main building, stages, tribunes, square park, and a parking area.
Manokwari District Head Hermus Indou has requested to adjust the main building design, so it can be used as a place for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to run their businesses, she remarked.
"The public open space will cover an area of 2.4 hectares and will be suitable for government as well as public activities," she remarked.
Meanwhile, West Papua Acting Governor Paulus Waterpauw explained that the road capacity expansion in Manokwari constitutes the government's effort to anticipate traffic congestion.
The expansions will be conducted by widening the 1.5-kilometer-long Haji Bauw-Pahlawan Road and the 1.72-kilometer-long Fajar Roon-Sudjarwo Condronegoro Road.
"The widening is important, considering the increase (in the number) of vehicles entering Manokwari, the province's capital city," he noted.
In addition, the government will build the 350-meter-long Pepera bridge that will stretch across Sawaibu Bay, he noted.
The bridge will serve as a historical monument reminiscing Papua region's integration into the Republic of Indonesia.
"The existence of the Pepera bridge can help us preserve our historical values," Waterpauw pointed out.
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Translator: Fransiskus Salu, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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