"We are optimistic that investment will soon recover."
Surabaya (ANTARA News) - East Java Governor Soekarwo has expressed optimism that the investment hampered by Lapindo mudflow disaster in the province will soon recover.

Speaking to the newsmen here on Monday, Soekarwo said the investment in the province would soon recover after the completion of arterial road construction in Porong area to overcome the source of congestion.

"We are optimistic that investment will soon recover after the completion of the arterial road construction in Porong," the governor noted.

Soekarwo pointed out that the investment climate in East Java had been affected by the Lapindo mudflow since it was first unleashed six years ago in May 2006.

Based on a study, conducted by Malang Brawijaya University, the mudflow inflicted a loss in Rp33 trillion worth of investment potential per year.

"The loss in Rp33 trillion worth of investment potential is based on a study conducted by Brawijaya Universtity in Malang before the construction of Porong arterial road," the governor said.

But he added that after the construction of the road, its positive impact on the investment in the province could be seen from the psychological aspect of the people living around the mud-affected area.
(T.O001/KR-BSR/F001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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