Gov’t Provides Two New Ro-Ro Vessels for Maluku Province

President Jokowi and First Lady Ibu Iriana inspect two new Ro-Ro vessels at Yos Sudarso Seaport in Ambon, Maluku, Thursday (9/2). (Photo: Public Relations Division/Agung)

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo on Thursday (9/2) visited Yos Sudarso Seaport in Maluku Province to inspect two roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels with the capacity of 500GT.

The vessels, which are Lelemuku Vessel that serves Saumlaki-Adaut-Letwurung route and Tanjung Sole that serves Saumlaki-Adaut-Letwurung route, are given as aids from Ministry of Transportation to Maluku Province.

“With these two vessels, we will have more routes and the capacity of passengers that can be carried will increase. We hope that it will also further smooth the flows of goods in Maluku Province,” the President told reporters after the visit.

According to the President, the operation of the two new vessels is expected to reduce prices of commodities by 20-30 percent of commodities in the Province.

President Jokowi further said that this year the Government would add 7 shipping routes and provide 100 vessels to connect islands in Indonesia. “This year, we are going to add 7 shipping routes and provide 100 vessels all over Indonesia,” the President said.

For Maluku Province itself, the President said the Government would provide a bigger vessel with the capacity of 1,500GT.

“I have heard many complaints (from fishermen) that when the waves are big and the vessels only have the capacity of 500GT, sometimes they are willing to go to the sea, sometimes they are not. So, they need bigger vessels,” the President said, adding that he always listens to what the people need on the ground and the Government should provide what are really needed in the regions.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also said the Government would continue importing the quality of human resources in Maluku, especially in maritime sector.

“We have decided to send them (locals) to school, to get certificates and to get seaman books because I heard some of them don’t have books,” the President said.

Also joining the President were First Lady Ibu Iriana Widodo, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of Tourism Arief Yahya, Minister of Health Nila Moeloek, and Maluku Governor Said Assagaff. (AGG/UN)  (EP/YM/Naster)