Government decides to restore Sabang's status as free port
Government decides to restore Sabang's status as free port
SABANG, Aceh (JP): The government, represented by Vice
President Megawati Soekarnoputri, carried out its promise to
declare Sabang a free port and Weh island a free trade zone on
Friday.
The Vice President, accompanied by Minister of Transportation
and Telecommunications Agum Gumelar and Minister of Settlement
and Regional Infrastructure Erna Witoelar, also officiated the
launch of construction of a new pier at the port and a new ferry
serving Sabang and Malahayati island, some 36 kilometers east of
Banda Aceh.
It takes 10 minutes to fly from Banda Aceh to Sabang, which is
located on Weh island, about 35 miles north of Banda Aceh.
The arrival of Megawati ended local skepticism about the
government's seriousness in reinstating Sabang Port, which lost
its status in 1984. Sabang was a free port in the past.
The House of Representatives passed a bill on Sabang Port
several months ago.
Moh. Jaffar Ahmad, a 40-year-old local, said people's doubts
disappeared as the plane carrying Megawati landed at the airport
at 3 p.m. local time.
In her speech, Megawati said: "The government is carrying out
concrete steps to help the Acehnese in a bid to mend relations
between Aceh and Jakarta, which have been strained lately. The
development of Sabang Port was one of my father's dreams, and I
want to help make it come true."
At least 1,000 people jostled at the barbed wire fence where
the ceremony took place, mostly to see the eldest daughter of
late president Sukarno.
Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh, who accompanied Megawati, said
the free trade status given to Weh island and the small
neighboring islands meant any foreign freighters would be allowed
to unload without paying customs duty. "Now that Sabang's status
as a free port has been restored, it is open to any foreign
vessels.
"In this way we expect the port will become part of the
economic drive, benefiting all Acehnese in the future," Puteh
said.
Sabang has a population of 24,000. Sixteen years ago 46,000
more people lived there, but many moved on to Batam, Jakarta and
other cities in search of a better life.
The pier
Samsul Bahri, the director of PT Pelindo I which manages the
port, said the new pier would cost Rp 16.5 billion, which was
allotted from the 1999-2000 state budget. "The new pier will be
180 meters long and 12 meters wide. It will be constructed to
accommodate a ship of 10,000 tons.
"The project is scheduled to be completed in January 2002."
The head of the Aceh office of trade and industry, Moh. Jamil,
said trade at Sabang Port would be a lucrative business.
"We must grab the opportunity. There are about 200 foreign
cargo ships passing Sabang every day. Crew members have expressed
a willingness to stop at Sabang, but they could not do that
before.
"Now that Sabang Port has been declared a free port, there are
many businesses which can help boost the local economy," Jamil
said, adding that a mineral water, crude palm oil or plastic
factory would be welcome.
"Korean Ssang Yong has agreed to invest in an oil refinery,"
Jamil said. (50/sur)