Sorong SEZ for Accelerating Development of Papua

Jakarta, InfoPublik - President Joko Widodo led a limited Working Cabinet meeting discussing the Proposal for Sorong (West Papua) Special Economic Zones, at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (6/14).

Quoted from ksp.go.id, in his introduction, the President instructed relevant ministers to accelerate the development in Papua. Not only to build infrastructures related to connectivity, but also developing those related to the economic areas and the centers of economic growth in Papua.

"Development of Papua, both in Papua and West Papua, needs to be accelerated. To develop Papua, we have to not only strengthen its connectivity by building roads, bridges, airports, and ports, but also create industrial zones and centers of economic growth,” said the President.

According to the President, the industrial areas and the centers of economic growth need to be prepared in Papua so that later when the ‘sea toll road’ is completed, the goods produced in Papua can be easily distributed. "For that, I ask the ‘sea toll road’ to be completely integrated with the industrial areas, integrated with production centers in Papua," he added.

In preparation for the development of Sorong Special Economic Zones (SEZ), the President also instructed his staffs to ensure the readiness of the location, zoning, land, and so forth. It is necessary to determine whetherit is feasible for the region  to be established as an SEZ.

" Please also estimate and calculate whether SEZ is really required in Papua because it concerns with the availability of raw materials there," said the President.

On the occasion, the President also requested to prepare  the power supply required for the growth of a regional industry. "Electricity is very important to the survival of this SEZ. Therefore, the preparation for the Sorong Special Economic Zones should really be calculated," he explained.

As for the institutional issue, the President asked serious attention from the ministers. He expected that institutional issues will no more become obstacle for the development of Special Economic Zone.

“I hope the development of SEZ will not see any overlapping authorities  with local government," said the President while closing the introductory of the meeting.

Also presented in the limited meeting were  Economic Affairs Coordinating Minister Darmin Nasution, Maritime Affairs Coordinating Minister Rizal Ramli, Finance Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro, Industry Minister Saleh Husin, Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong, Public Works and Housing Minister Mochamad Basuki Hadimuljono and some other members of Working Cabinet. (Translator: Erik Limantara)