Gov’t Carries Out Infrastructure Projects in Labuan Bajo

Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) inspects progress of infrastructure projects at the Labuan Bajo National Tourism Strategic Area in East Nusa Tenggara, Wednesday (5/8). (Photo: Ministry of PUPR)

The Government has announced it carrying out several construction projects in a number of tourist destinations in Labuan Bajo National Tourism Strategic Area in East Nusa Tenggara province.

Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono – who is responsible for the projects – on Wednesday (5/8) inspected the progress of the infrastructure development in the area.

According to the Minister, the infrastructure development aims to support tourism productivity in the region during new normal era following COVID-19 pandemic.

For this year, Ministry of Public Housing and Public Works allocates a budget of Rp902.47 billion to build 43 infrastructure projects at the National Tourism Strategic Areas. The budget is allocate for among others improving the quality of road and bridge, building water resources, building settlements and housing.

Basuki also said President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has ordered the transformation of Labuan Bajo area.

To that end, he added, the availability of decent road infrastructure is expected to transform the area, while accelerating the development of local tourist destinations and improving other services for tourists to reach tourist sites.

On that occasion, the Minister also visited Waringin Peak tourism area. According to him, the arrangement of Waringin Peak Tourism Area continues to prioritize artistic quality and artistic elements that require high accuracy.

“The construction progress of Waringin Peak reaches 35%. Everything is on schedule, even faster than planned with the quality of the results as expected. Since Labuan Bajo will be used as a premium destination, so the results must be very artistic,” said Basuki.

Waringin Peak is also projected to become a souvenir and shopping center for various Labuan Bajo’s local products so it can boost local economy by selling traditional goods and crafts, such as woven fabrics, coffee, bags, dolls, shoes and jewelry.

The Minister also visited Batu Cermin Cave Tourism area whose construction progress reaches 28%. The construction involved local community which was carried out through the Cash Work Intensive Program. The program aims to support the local people who bear the brunt of the pandemic, particularly to reducing unemployment and maintaining the purchasing power of people in Labuan Bajo City.

The Ministry is also building a number of facilities in the area, including a trekking lane, a manager’s office, counters, cafeterias, a parking area, an auditorium, an information center, and toilets. (Ministry of PUPR/EN)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas