"We would like to thank President Prabowo for enacting a presidential instruction to develop Enggano. This serves as concrete proof of the central government's concern for Bengkulu," Hasan remarked in Bengkulu on Saturday.
He referred to Presidential Instruction No. 12 of 2025, signed by Prabowo on June 24, which aims to resolve issues in Bengkulu Province caused by the silting of shipping lanes near Pulau Baai Port in Bengkulu City.
Pulau Baai Port plays a key role as both an export gateway and an entry point for essential commodities into the province, which is surrounded by the Barisan Mountains—making overland transportation more costly than sea routes.
The governor noted that shipping operations at the port have been stalled for four months due to sediment buildup, which has also disrupted the movement of goods to and from Enggano Island.
This situation has weakened the purchasing power of Enggano residents, as it has become difficult for them to send and sell their commodities to the city.
However, Hasan expressed optimism that the presidential directive would soon lead to the revitalization of Pulau Baai Port and restore access between Enggano Island and the Sumatra mainland.
"Mr. President is paying special attention to Bengkulu Province. He loves this province, and we in the province love the president too," he stated.
Earlier, on Friday (June 27), Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian dispatched his special staff to Bengkulu to assess the situation firsthand.
“We are here to evaluate the progress in handling the silting at Pulau Baai Port and to investigate reports circulating in Jakarta about a logistical shortage on Enggano Island,” Wahyu Bintono Hari Bawono, the minister’s special staff member, remarked in Bengkulu.
He emphasized that local officials—including Governor Hasan—and students currently conducting community service on Enggano Island had refuted rumors of supply shortages.
"Local stakeholders have clarified that claims of shortages in food, fuel, and other logistics are not true," he stated.
Related news: Indonesia denies reports of supply shortage on Enggano Island
Related news: Enggano Island, from darkness to digital access
Related news: 5.1-magnitude quake hits Enggano in Bengkulu Province
Translator: Boyke L, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
