Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika expects the island will soon have a port large enough to accommodate logistic, cruise and passenger loading services once the Rencana Induk Pelabuhan (main port plan) draft is finalised.
Pastika hopes the draft can be completed as soon as possible so they long-awaited project can begin. The port is expected to be the biggest in Bali.
“We’re currently still discussing things with the Mayor so the plan can be executed soon,” Pastika said, as quoted by Detik.
Others are less confident the plan will come to fruition, with the government forced to reassure the community. Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said the Denpasar Mayor Ida Bagus Rai Dharmawijaya and Denpasar City Secretary Anak Agung Ngurah Rai Iswara are on top of the project.
Pandjaitan said he has previously informed Pastika that the draft recommendation for the Benoa Port would be finished within the week.
“The draft for Benoa Port is almost done. The space is also well prepared. The recommendation will be launched next week,” the minister said.
The plan was announced earlier this week during the 30th World Port Conference hosted by the tourist island. The announcement was timed to attract the port operators and investors from over 50 countries in attendance.
“Those people will be beneficial partners for us because they have vast knowledge about world trade. Moreover, as an archipelagic country, the president [Joko Widodo] wants to make Indonesia the world’s maritime axis which will also involve the sea toll project. It will also support the government in enhancing national economy and prosperity,” Pastika said.
The state budget will cover 20 percent of the project cost, but local government will be expected to secure world class investors to ensure the project’s sustainability.
See: Local, French Investors Vie For North Bali Airport Project
Image credits: Cruise Critic