VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Government aims to develop tourism in North Sulawesi to boost economic growth in the region, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“The central government provides support in road development, coastal area development, and in expanding airport terminal to accommodate six million passengers, from the existing capacity of two million passengers,” President Jokowi said in his remarks during distribution of land certificates at Graha Bumi Beringin, Manado, North Sulawesi, Thursday (4/7).

The President added that the Government has decided to start the terminal construction in Sam Ratulangi Airport in September this year and is expected to complete the project in August 2020. The Government, he added, has also decided to extend the runway so that large aircraft could land in Manado.

President Jokowi went on to say that the Government will also redevelop the plaza at the coastal area to attract more visitors.

He further said that the residents of North Sulawesi should keep maintaining their hospitality, as well as maintaining cleanliness at restaurants, food stalls, and toilets in order to develop tourism in the region, including in Bunaken, Likupang, and Lembeh island.

He added that the construction of various infrastructure facilities in the regions is expensive, but it will generate income and foreign exchange from tourists.

“We carefully calculate every state expenditure and revenue,” President Jokowi concluded.

Also present during the event were First Lady Ibu Iriana, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Darmin Nasution, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna Laoly, and Governor of North Sulawesi Olly Dondokambey. (setkab)