The Jakarta Post 12 Nov 09;
Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto said Thursday the government was expecting to begin constructing the Selat Sunda Bridge connecting Java and Sumatra islands by the end of 2014 at the latest.
The government is now finishing the pre-feasibility study and forming a national team consisting of representatives of all related institutions.
"This team will asses the feasibility study and measure all issues related to the bridge construction, like the environment, finance, endurance, and safety," Djoko said during a media briefing at his office. The team will be headed by the coordinating minister of economy.
Newly inaugurated Public Works Deputy Minister Hermanto Dardak said the team was expected to come up with a concrete design and physical construction plan by the end of 2014. "We hope the team can finish it sooner," he said.
Hermanto said the government had considered building a tunnel instead of bridge. "So far, a bridge is the most suitable facility to connect the two islands financially and technically," he said.
The most difficult challenge to building a tunnel was the 150-meter-deep pool located between the islands, Hermanto said.
"As of today, we prefer a bridge because it can be both a tourism facility and a unique landmark of our country," he said.
However, he went on, a bridge also had its unique issues, such as from wind and waves. "The strait is part of the whole global oceanic system, so we must be careful and not disturb the system," Hermanto explained.
The bridge is expected to connect the country's two most populated islands, Java and Sumatra, stretching about 40 kilometers.
The bridge would be the longest bridge in the country, outdoing the current one, which is the Suramadu Bridge connecting Java and Madura.
"We believe that the bridge can help accelerate the flow of people and goods between the islands, resulting in a boost in national economic growth," he said. (bbs)
