President Jokowi Inaugurates Balang Island Bridge to Boost Nusantara Capital Connectivity

President Jokowi, accompanied by First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo, inaugurates the Balang Island Bridge in North Penajam Paser regency, East Kalimantan province, Sunday (07/28). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Rusman)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and First Lady Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo Sunday (07/28) inaugurated the Balang Island Bridge in North Penajam Paser regency, East Kalimantan province.

According to the President, the newly inaugurated bridge will connect the Nusantara Capital (IKN) with its surrounding areas.

“Alhamdulillah, this afternoon, we will inaugurate a key piece of infrastructure for the Nusantara Capital. The Balang Island Bridge, which spans Balikpapan Bay, will connect Balikpapan City with North Penajam Paser regency and will later link East Kalimantan province with South Kalimantan province,” the President said.

The President revealed that the construction of the Balang Island Bridge has been underway since 2015 with a total cost of Rp1.43 trillion.

On that occasion, President Jokowi, First Lady Ibu Iriana, and their entourage took a test drive on the toll road that connects Balikpapan City to the Balang Island Bridge in North Penajam Paser regency.

“Earlier, we tested the toll road. Although it has not 100 percent completed, it was smooth and comfortable. Minister of Public Works, Mr. Basuki, was driving ahead and encouraged us to keep up with his pace. He drove ahead at a fast pace, and if we did not keep up, we would have lagged behind,” the President remarked. (TGH/ABD) (RIF/MUR)