Govt Removes Suramadu Toll Bridge Tariff
President Jokowi announces the removal of Suramadu toll tariff in Bangkalan, East Java, Saturday, (28/10). Photo by: Jay/Public Relations Division of Cabinet Secretariat.
In order to boost economic growth in the region, starting from Saturday (27/10) at 17.00 Western Indonesian Time, the Indonesian Government eliminates tariff of Surabaya-Madura (Suramadu) toll bridge connecting the city of Surabaya with Bangkalan in Madura Island.
The official announcement of the tariff exemption was delivered by President Joko Jokowi Widodo in Bangkalan toll road, East Java.
In his remarks, the President said that in 2015, based on public demand and suggestion from community leaders, religious leaders, and the Association of Madurese People (IKAMA), the Government gave tariff exemption for motorbike riders in Suramadu Toll Road and in 2016 the Government reduced the tariff for all vehicles by 50%. The President added that based on the Government calculations, these previous policies have not generated economic impact to the region.
“If we look at the figures, in some regions in East Java such as Surabaya, Gresik, and Sidoarjo, the poverty rate is 4 to 6.7 percent, while in Madura it is 16 to 23 percent,” the President said.
After considering the proposals and suggestions from religious leaders, scholars, religious figures, community leaders from IKAMA, and the Regent, the Government decided to remove the Suramadu toll road tariff.
By eliminating the tariff, we hope economic growth and investment in Madura will increase, including in property, tourism and other investment sectors, the President said, adding that the Government revenue from the Suramadu toll is approximately Rp120 billion, which is not significant compared to the economic growth expected in Madura region.
Also present on the event were First Lady Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Governor of East Java Soekarwo and Regents of regencies in Madura Island. (UN/JAY/ES)
Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Edited by: Ersan Pamungkas
