Local residents demand priority for local workforce at Kilo Port, Dompu

Local residents and youth in Kilo District, Dompu Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, are requesting that local labour and MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) operators be prioritised in the construction of Kilo Port, which is funded by the State Budget (APBN) at a value of Rp85.11 billion.

Field coordinator Irfan Kilat stated that the community supports the construction of Kilo Port, as it is expected to create jobs and stimulate local economic growth. “We do not reject the development. We support the construction of Kilo Port, but the development must bring justice and benefits to the local community,” he said while expressing these aspirations at the construction site on Tuesday.

According to him, the infrastructure development needs to provide space for the Kilo community to be involved, particularly through employment opportunities for local labour and business opportunities for MSME operators. He added that the economic activities arising from the port’s existence should benefit the surrounding population.

“Local residents have the right to fair opportunities. The youth of Kilo must be given space to work. MSME operators must be given the chance to grow,” he stated.

In addition to employment and business opportunities, the community requested that environmental aspects be prioritised during the construction and operation of Kilo Port. Irfan noted that environmental studies and obligations must be implemented seriously so that the development does not cause harmful impacts on the community or the surrounding ecosystem. “Development must not sacrifice the environment and the community. Environmental studies and obligations must be genuinely addressed, not just serve as administrative documents,” he said.

He emphasised that these aspirations are not a form of opposition to the development, but rather an encouragement for the local community to reap direct benefits from the existence of Kilo Port. “Kilo Port is part of the future of the Kilo people. Therefore, the local community must be part of that future, not merely spectators,” he added.

The construction of Kilo Port is being carried out by PT Wijaya Inti Nusa Sentosa (WINS), under the responsibility of the Class III Calabai Port Organising Unit (UPP). Based on project data, the work has a duration of 315 calendar days, effective from 19 February until 30 December 2026.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Class III Calabai Port Organising Unit (KUPP), Prayitno, stated that his office will coordinate with the project executor, PT WINS, to follow up on the community’s aspirations. “We will endeavour to coordinate with the organiser from PT WINS, Mr Piter, to carry out and follow up on the demands of our friends,” he said.

Prayitno stated that his office will oversee discussions between the community, the village government, and the project executor to find a solution to these aspirations. A meeting is planned to take place within 3x24 hours at the Mbuju Village Office with the community and the project executors.

Prayitno expressed appreciation for the community’s aspirations, which he believes encourages attention towards local rights and the development of economy and human resources in Kilo District. “We appreciate the movement of our friends because they are fighting for the rights of the local community to advance local economy and human resources. Give us time to negotiate with the project executor so that this can be realised,” he concluded.