President Jokowi Greenlights Ro-Ro Ship Connection Between Sulawesi and Nusantara
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has given his approval for the implementation of roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) ship operations in Central Sulawesi, aiming to establish vital connectivity between the province and East Kalimantan to support the development of the new capital city (IKN) Nusantara.
Speaking in Donggala District, Central Sulawesi, President Jokowi endorsed the proposal put forward by the Transportation Minister to introduce ro-ro ships linking Central Sulawesi and East Kalimantan, with a primary objective of bolstering the infrastructure for the new capital city. “Earlier, the transportation minister told me about the need for ro-ro ships connecting the provinces of Central Sulawesi and East Kalimantan, with the main goal of supporting the development of the new capital city. I approve of that,” he remarked.
President Jokowi made this announcement during the inauguration ceremony of the rehabilitated and reconstructed ports of Wani and Pantoloan in the Palu Bay area, Donggala.
Highlighting the strategic significance of Central Sulawesi as a reservoir of essential raw materials for the development of IKN Nusantara, President Jokowi emphasized the immense value these resources hold, stressing that their worth transcends billions and reaches into trillions of rupiah.
In his address, President Jokowi underscored the importance of upgrading port facilities to remain competitive globally. He emphasized the need for integrated logistics services at ports, facilitating seamless connectivity between ships and other modes of transportation to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi had previously engaged in discussions with the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government to explore feasible solutions for enhancing connectivity between IKN and other regions. Minister Sumadi highlighted that the introduction of ro-ro ship operations in Central Sulawesi would streamline the distribution of the province’s products, including agricultural commodities, to Nusantara.
Minister Sumadi also emphasized the strategic geographical positioning of Central Sulawesi, directly facing the new capital city, IKN.
President Jokowi’s approval marks a significant step forward in realizing the vision of establishing robust infrastructure networks to support the development and growth of the new capital city, IKN Nusantara.
