Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Inauguration of Kendari Bay Bridge in Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi Province

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Good Afternoon,

Peace and prosperity be upon us all.

Distinguished Ministers of Indonesian Onward Cabinet;

Honourable Governor of Southeast Sulawesi and Kendari Mayor, as well as all ranks of Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing;

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Alhamdulillah, praise be to God, the construction of Kendari Bay Bridge spanning 1.34 kilometers with 20 meters wide has been finished today. It took five years to build this bridge, from 2015 to 2020, with a total cost of Rp804 billion. I am sure that the length of time it took to build the bridge and the amount of funds spent will be proportional to the benefits that will be felt by the community.

Normally, it takes 30-40 minutes for Kota Lama residents to travel to Poasia District crossing Kendari Bay by using a ferry and around the Bay as far as 20 kilometers. But now, it only takes five minutes. The smooth connectivity and access will make the mobility of goods, services, and people more efficient. Thus, it will increase competitiveness. Hence, Southeast Sulawesi, especially Kendari City, will become increasingly attractive for the development of new businesses

This bridge is expected to support the development of the Konawe area and the Bungkutoko Port which will be developed as the Kendari New Port industrial area and new residential areas so as to create new economic growth centers in Kendari and in Southeast Sulawesi Province.

On various occasions, I have always said that the infrastructure we build, be it bridges, toll roads, airports, or ports, must provide added value, namely integration with agricultural areas, integration with plantation areas, integration with existing industrial areas, so that they really give leverage to productivity and competitiveness, and also create new economic growth centers which are expected to create more jobs.

Distinguished guests,

I notice that this bridge does not only provide benefits, but is also eye-catching in terms of architecture. It beautifies the landscape of Kendari City to become a new icon and the pride of the people of Kendari City. And of course, it makes Kendari City better known for its new landmark. I received reports that the area around this bridge will also be laid out, equipped with public open spaces such as sports fields, parking areas, and street cinema as part of the development of the Kota Lama area. And, I believe this will increase the attractiveness of the Kendari Bay Bridge.

That concludes my remarks. By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, today, I inaugurate the Kendari Bay Bridge.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Translated by Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Reviewed by Muhardi