JAKARTA (Rambu Energy) – State owned operator Pelindo IV, which manages a number of ports in eastern Indonesian region, said that it has set aside Rp1.5 trillion to develop Makassar New Port, an expansion of the existing port.
Fiannce Director of Pelindo IV Budi Revianto was quoted by Bisnis Indonesia as saying that the funds need to develop the project will come from internal cash flow source. The project is expected to support the Joko Widodo’s government program to develop maritime connectivity or ‘sea toll”.
He noted the realization of the project as well as the funding scheme are pending on the approval of the Ministry of Transportation. “The Ministry of Transportation has prepared a number of schemes to develop the project. We hope that Pelindo IV will be the executor and sole investor of the MNP project,” he said.
The Ministry of Transportation is currently undertaking review the project, including the size, location and funding scheme, which is expected to cost around Rp7 trillion. The project is part of the government’s program to boost economic activities in the eastern Indonesian region.
South Sulawesi Governor Syahrul Yasin Limpo was quoted by the paper as saying that he has discussed the Makassar New Port project with President Joko Widodo during a meeting with governors in Jakarta recently. The President, he said, has supported the project, which is expected to break the ground next year. (*)