E. Java to Build Better Transportation System to Boost Economy

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa meets reporters after attending a limited meeting at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Tuesday (9/7). (Photo by: AGUNG/PR)

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has unveiled plans to build better public transportation system to connect the province’s Gresik – Bangkalan – Mojokerto – Surabaya – Sidoarjo – Lamongan (Gerbangkertasusila) megapolitan area.

“We will immediately build Surabaya Eastern Ring Road (SERR). In addition, to facilitate connectivity between one regency/city in industrial areas in the region, we will also provide additional public transportation, including LRT (Light Rail Transit). We also aim to improve service of commuter trains,” Khofifah told reporters after attending a limited meeting at the Bogor Presidential Palace, Tuesday, (9/7).

Khofifah also expressed hope that the project can be expanded to the town of Tuban, in anticipation of the Tuban refinery construction project. “We also want to provide convenience by cutting the cost of transporting goods and services around Gerbangkertasusila,” she said.

The Governor also announced plan to develop cable cars to connect main tourist destinations in the province such as Mount Bromo, Tengger highland, and Mount Semeru – the highest mountain in Java –, adding that the provincial government also aims to boost development in those areas.

“Nowadays, if people want to see the sunrise, they have to hike at 2 a.m due to the limited access. So we want to build cable cars,” she said, adding that the provincial government has also prepared for additional options to facilitate access to the tourist destinations.

Khofifah has also asked for assistance from state-owned port operator Pelabuhan Indonesia III (Pelindo III) to expand capacity of Port of Tanjung Tembaga in the northern coastal city of Probolinggo to enable cruise ships to dock at the port.

“We want to increase the width and depth of the port. We also hope to connect the port with access to Mount Bromo, Tengger highland, and Mount Semeru. If the cruise ship enters Probolinggo, it can access Sumenep through Kalianget. In Kalianget there is Gili Labak, an island which is as beautiful as Raja Ampat. There is also Gili Iyang which has the second highest oxygen concentration in the world,” Khofifah said.

The Governor further said that the provincial government has also been implementing a number of programs to leverage skills of the people in East Java since March. The programs, she added, are expected to create a multiplier of effects, not only for East Java Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) but also for the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP). (RSF/AGG/ES)

Translated by : Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Edited by : Rany A. Subachrum, M. Ersan Pamungkas