Gov’t Launches Manado-Danowudo Toll Road

President Jokowi observes the design of construction of Manado-Bitung Toll Road. (Photo by: PR/Oji)

The Government is working on the development of Manado-Bitung Toll Road with an aim to increase tourism and economic sectors in North Sulawesi.

“We expect tourism sector in North Sulawesi to grow after the pandemic,” President Jokowi said after the inauguration ceremony of Manado-Bitung Toll Road section Manado-Danowudo through video conference from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province.

The President said that Manado-Bitung Toll Road is designed to be integrated with industrial and tourism areas in North Sulawesi. Therefore, access to the areas will be easy and it is expected to help the promotion and development of the areas.

“Access to various tourism strategic destinations such as Manado, Bitung, Likupang, and Lembeh Island will be easier,” he added.

In addition of tourism sector, North Sulawesi also has great economic potential for example in the sectors of fishery, agriculture, and plantation. President Jokowi believed that economic areas which will be connected with each other will attract more investment, businesses, and create more job opportunities for the people living in the province.

“I think it is the duty of the Governor to attract as much investment as possible to Special Economic Zones in Bitung,” President Jokowi firmly said.

The Toll Road is also expected to increase competitiveness of North Sulawesi since transportation logistics costs will be reduced.

“Logistics costs from Bitung International Port can be reduced so it will be more efficient, and it also increase the competitiveness,” he stated.

For the record, Manado-Bitung Toll Road has a total length of 40 kilometers in which section connecting Manado and Danowudu stretching 26 kilometers has set for operation, while the construction of the remaining 14 kilometers is underway. The Toll Road can cut travel time from Manado to Bitung which usually takes 1.5 hours to only half an hour. The Manado toll gate is only 9 kilometers or 12-minutes drive from Sam Ratulangi Airport. (TGH/UN)

Translated by : Rany Anjany
Reviewed by: Lulu Wuliarti