City to build new seaport terminal
JAKARTA (JP): A new seaport terminal for passengers will be constructed in Ancol Timur, North Jakarta next year to replace the existing one in Tanjung Priok harbor.
Speaking on the sidelines of a ceremony which marked the signing of an MOU with Minister of Transportation and Telecommunication Agum Gumelar, Governor Sutiyoso said the construction project was aimed at improving services for the public who travel by sea.
"In anticipating the growing number of passengers in the future, we need to replace the existing terminal, which currently also serves as a cargo terminal," Sutiyoso said.
Sutiyoso Tanjung Priok harbor could no longer support harbor activities due to a lack of infrastructure, such as a toll road and river transportation devices.
"Our long-term goal is to develop the Jakarta bay and its nearby waterfront area in anticipation of the city's growth," he added.
The MOU was signed by deputy governor for development affairs Budihardjo Soekmadi and Director General of Sea Transportation Tjuk Sukardiman.
A consortium comprising city-owned amusement park operator PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol, city-owned holding company PT Jakarta Propertindo and state-owned seaport operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II has been appointed to construct, manage and develop the terminal. The construction project alone will cost at least Rp 300 billion (about US$31.57 million).
The terminal, which will stand on a 2,500-square-meter plot, will be operational in three years time. The old terminal will be fully used as a cargo terminal.
An official at the Directorate General of Sea Transportation, Joko Pramono, said the new terminal will integrate buses, high- speed boats and inter-island ships, with links and access to the Ancol amusement park, toll road, and surrounding areas.
Joko said the consortium would calculate the design and budget of the project, a process which would involve other companies such as state bus operator Damri and state shipping line PT Pelni.
Separately, chief of the City Waterfront Implementation Board Sidharta said the existing overpass spanning from Kemayoran in Central Jakarta to Ancol would serve as the main access connecting the seaport with the downtown area.
"We need an alternative route to reduce the burden on Jl. Martadinata, which has been plagued by a variety of crimes and is in poor physical condition," said Sidharta.
The environmental perspective of the area was also taken into consideration, Sidharta said, saying that a flood control and waste management system would be constructed near the terminal. (07)