REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BARRU -- President Joko Widodo inspected the progress of the Trans-Sulawesi railway development project in the district of Barru, South Sulawesi, on Wednesday.

He expressed optimism that following completion, the railway project would connect Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi.

"The railway service is expected to commence operations in 2018 and will connect the two capitals," he informed newsmen after the inspection.

The president affirmed that all parties must be grateful as the construction of the railway line between Makassar and Pare-pare and later Manado had started to become a reality.

"Indeed, it has reached only six kilometers so far, but we hope that the railway line to Pare-pare, which is around 145 kilometers in length, will be realized by next year," he stated.

President Widodo noted that the project had progressed according to plan and will ensure connectivity with the New Port of Makassar and the airport.

He claimed that the project had absorbed several local workers in accordance with the directive issued to the Directorate General of Railways.

"Later, when it becomes operational, the local people will be employed in it as PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), which will run the service, has been instructed to train the local people to work in the project. The local people will be selected for the posts of managers and workers," he remarked.

President Widodo clarified that the Trans-Sulawesi railway is not a fast train service, however with its 200 kilometer per hour speed, it was already faster than a car.

He pointed out that almost 100 percent of the materials used in the project were local products, such as sleepers from WIKA and keys from Pindad.

"Indeed, the rails are still imported from Japan, but almost 100 percent of the materials used in it are sourced domestically," he emphasized.

The president affirmed that additional budget had been allocated, and if the need arose, it would be included in the revised budget.

"The engines and coaches are produced by PT INKA," he said.

He remarked that the central government had also allocated a budget for carrying out land acquisition for the project.

The president emphasized that the government was committed to providing infrastructure in the regions across the country.

"It is not only here but also in other places. In Papua, we are still conducting a study, which is expected to be completed in the next semester, so that the construction may possibly start next year," he noted.

He hoped that once the infrastructure was improved, the cost of transportation, logistics, and distribution would drop, and so, the prices of goods were expected to become cheaper.

"If railway service and sea transportation facilities are available, we can ensure that the cost of transportation and distribution will be lower, and the logistics costs will be cheaper, which will help to lower the prices of goods," he added.

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