VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) inaugurated the 1.34-kilometer Kendari Bay Bridge in Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi, Thursday, which is believed to be a strategic infrastructure and a new icon in the city with the beauty of the bay.

"I am sure the length of time it will take to build, and the amount of funds needed to build this bridge will be proportional to the benefits felt by the community," said President Jokowi at the inauguration of the bridge that connects various regions in Kendari Bay.

The bridge, which has a road width of 20 meters, was built from 2015 to 2020 at a total cost of IDR 804 billion.

According to President Jokowi, the bridge will facilitate population mobility and trade and industrial activities that cross the Kota Lama and Poasia districts.

To get to Poasia from Kota Lama or vice versa, now it only takes five minutes by crossing the Kendari Bay Bridge.

Previously, Kota Lama residents had to use a ferry to circle Kendari Bay to reach Poasia. The route takes 30-40 minutes.

"Now it only takes 5 minutes. This smooth connectivity and access will make the mobility of services and people more efficient, "said the president.

In addition, the bridge will also support the development of the Konawe area and the Bungkutoko Port. In the two areas, there will be an industrial area, Kendari New Port, and various new settlements for the community.

"So it will create new economic centers in Kendari and Southeast Sulawesi," said the President. (Antaranews)