GOVERNMENT BACKS SUNDA STRAIT BRIDGE PROJECT
ANTARA - October 3, 2007Merak, Banten (ANTARA News) - The government fully supports a plan to build the Sunda Strait Bridge (JSS) which will link Java and Sumatra islands, a minister said.
"The government fully supports it. Therefore, the government wants the bridge to be built based on a precise and accurate plan," State Minister for National Development Planning/Head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Paskah Suzetta said here on Wednesday.
He made the remarks following the signing of an agreement to conduct a pre-feasibility study on the construction of the bridge scheduled for completion in 2025.
The bridge was expected to ensure smooth transportation of goods and people from Java to Sumatra vice versa and to encourage economic growth on the two islands, he said.
He said the government would try to find other funding sources than the state budget to finance the project.
"(The funding sources) may come from a partnership between the government and the private sector. But if that is not possible the project can be funded under a business-to-business scheme," he said.
Meanwhile, Banten Governor Ratu Atut Chosiyah said during her Ramadhan safari in Banten on Oct 1, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had also thrown his weight behind the project.
"The President expressed hope that I will be serious about handling the project," she said.
Lampung Governor Sjachroedin ZP said all relevant parties should support the construction of the bridge.(*)
Source: ANTARA News Agency -- www.antara.co.id