Projects in Labuan Bajo Still Under Way Amid Pandemic: Transport Minister
Structuring process of Labuhan Bajo by Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing. (Photo by: Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing).
Transportation infrastructure projects in Labuan Bajo tourist destination in East Nusa Tenggara province will continue to run even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi said.
“Today, I’m inspecting several constructions and development projects, including Komodo Airport, a multipurpose port and Labuan Bajo port to ensure the projects are run by adhering to health protocols,” he said during his working visit to Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara province, Saturday (19/9).
According to him, infrastructure projects, particularly in transportation sector, must be continued as they will help speed up national economic growth through job creation and opening up of connectivity between regions.
He added that Labuan Bajo is one of super priority tourist destinations that can attract many local and foreign tourists in the future.
“The projects need to be continued even amid the pandemic to help rebuild the economy with increasingly open connectivity. Super priority tourist destinations such as Labuan Bajo, Mandalika and others can boost local and foreign tourist arrivals,” he said.
Budi also noted that airport and port development projects are also in line with the Government’s labor-intensive program to empower local workers.
As for connectivity readiness between transportation nodes and tourism areas, relevant ministries / institutions such as Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, Ministry of Tourism, and regional governments, he added, have worked in synergy to address the issue.
During visit to Komodo Airport, Budi also inspected all areas from departure, arrival, waiting room to the runway.
For the record, the Airport Management Unit (UPBU) is currently carrying out the development of Komodo Airport, including cutting down the surrounding hills, land acquisition which has reached the final stage, and expansion of 200 x 45 meters runway from 2,250 meters to 2,750 meters.
Budi also inspected a multipurpose port built to serve bulk water vessels and containers with a weight of 5000-10,000 DWT with a port area of more than 6 hectares.
He said the port is expected to make optimum distribution of logistics in Labuan Bajo, adding that the development can be accelerated to meet the set target.
As of 13 September, construction progress of the Multipurpose Wae Kelambu Terminal includes preparatory work, causeway work, trestle work, pier work, and application of construction safety management systems.
Meanwhile, the Labuan Bajo Port will be revitalized and devoted to tourist and passenger ships, he added.
“We hope the availability of transportation infrastructure in Labuan Bajo can rebuild the economy,” he said. (Ministry of Transportation/EN)
Translator: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas
