New governor promises to tackle poverty in Lampung

BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: The newly inaugurated Lampung Governor Sjachroedin Z.P. said he would tackle poverty in the province through various programs for people living in rural areas.

"Apart from stimulant funds, we will also prepare programs to improve the skills of farmers and the rural population to help make them more independent," said Sjachroedin, after Home Minister Mardiyanto officially installed him and Joko Umar Said as Lampung governor and deputy governor Tuesday.

He said his administration would speed up programs that would have a huge impact on poverty in the province.

According to Sjachroedin, this included the development of a Sunda Strait bridge. Sjachroedin said although they had yet to be assured of whether there would be funds from the state budget for the project, he had coordinated with the Banten governor and other governors across Sumatra regarding the matter.

"We realize that it won't happen in five years, but we agree it must begin now," he said, adding the bridge would help speed up economic development. - JP