REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BIAK -- The government, through PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo), will commence the construction of the seaport in Sorong city, West Papua province, in the July-August period, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said.
"The construction of the seaport in Sorong is expected to boost economic growth in the easternmost region in Indonesia," President Joko Widodo stated here on Monday (5/11).
The construction of a seaport in Sorong in West Papua is considered a very strategic move because it will serve as the entrance to the Papuan and West Papuan territories, which need attention, he explained.
Following the disbursement of the government's budget, President Joko Widodo ordered related ministries to expedite the development of infrastructure to increase job opportunities and improve regional economies, which would, in turn, advance investment competitiveness in the regions.
With regard to details on the distribution of funds, President Jokowi noted that Papua province received Rp6 trillion, while West Papua received Rp4 trillion.
The head of state further emphasized that the central government has high hopes from infrastructural development as it can have positive impacts on the local economy.
"The ongoing progress of regional infrastructural development programs is expected to boost economic growth and create new jobs for local residents," President Joko Widodo affirmed.
He was accompanied by First Lady Iriana and Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Tedjo EP.
Moreover, the president vowed to visit Papua and West Papua in the near future to review his 'Nawacita' (a Sanskrit term for nine priority programs) initiative, which includes achieving national rice resilience in Merauke, Papua, as well as the seaport development program in Sorong, West Papua.