East Java Provincial Government allocates Rp6 billion for Ketapang pier repairs

Banyuwangi (ANTARA) - The East Java Provincial Government has allocated a budget of approximately Rp6 billion to renovate the Bulusan pier within the Ketaplag Port area in Banyuwangi, East Java, in an effort to minimise congestion on the main route to the Ketapang-Gilimanuk (Bali) ferry crossing.

The Deputy Governor of East Java, Emil Elestianto Dardak, stated that the provincial government will optimise the piers at Ketapang Port situated on provincial-owned land, specifically the Movable Bridge (MB) 4 pier, the Landing Craft Machine (LCM) pier, and the Bulusan pier.

“The concern from the East Java Provincial Transportation Agency Head is that if the dolphin [mooring structure] is rebuilt, it could be struck and damaged again; therefore, we have requested the Head of the Transportation Agency to coordinate with the Harbour Master to discuss this,” said Deputy Governor Emil during a visit to Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi, on Tuesday.

Furthermore, he continued, the East Java Provincial Government also plans to develop the LCM pier, which has long served as the backbone for heavy truck crossings. The LCM pier at Ketapang Port can currently accommodate three ship berthing points.

However, the process of upgrading the pier’s structural foundation can only proceed once the construction of the Pontoon Pier by ASDP at Ketapang Port is completed, as such infrastructure upgrades have the potential to disrupt vessel traffic.

“We will optimise the LCM pier to increase capacity,” said Emil Dardak.

Deputy Governor Emil also expressed his apologies should traffic congestion on the main route to Ketapang Port persist in the near future.