Indonesia: Government focused on Raja Ampat development -- Jokowi

Antara 5 Apr 16;

Manokwari (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo said tourism development in Papua Barat is focused on development of Raja Ampat in the Raja Ampat District.

"This year we are still focused on development of Raja Ampat. (Development of) the Arfak mountainous tourist destination will come later," the president said here in Tuesday.

He said the budget has been set only for development of an airport terminal and to lengthen the airport runway in the district of Raja Ampat.

The district administration has been told to prepare land for the project, he said, adding construction would start when land has been available.

He said there are still many agenda for infrastructure development in Papua Barat.

There are sea toll, railway, airport and other infrastructure projects to be built, he cited.

Jokowi said development of the highway between Manokwari-Wasior of Teluk Wondama has to be accelerated this year to be operational in 2017.

In addition, the plan to extend the runway of the Rendani Manokwari airport has to be implemented soon to allow the airport to accommodate wide bodied aircraft, he said.

He said land clearing has to be completed this year and construction could start next year.(*)