“Technically, the construction of the port reached 90 percent. Currently it is in the finishing phase and can be completed in October,” Budi said while inspecting the project recently, adding that the port was expected to be operational next year.

Accompanied by state-owned port operator PT Pelindo IV president director Doso Agung, Budi said when the project was completed, it was expected to gear up economic activities in the eastern Indonesian province.

“The port is being developed to expand its capacity to make more efficient loading and unloading activities to boost exports and imports. It will help industries in the province develop more,” Budi said, adding that Pelindo should collaborate with industries to optimize the function of the new port.

The Makassar New Port, whose construction cost reached Rp 1.6 trillion (US$108 million), will be integrated with a bonded zone logistics center and with a 150-kilometer railway network from Makassar to the town of Parepare, which is now under construction.

Initially, the railway project was set to be completed next year, but the government missed the target due to financial shortage. Up to September, only 40 km of railway tracks have been built.

Budi said many projects in other provinces also faced similar problems for similar reasons. (bbn)

Popular

Furniture exporters decry new quarantine rule

EV industry urges govt to reinstate two-wheeler subsidies as market slows

BRICS shows internal rifts as ministers fall short of joint statement