Ministry to build fewer ports than planned

The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry plans to complete the construction of 12 ports next year, 28 fewer than originally planned.<br /><br />“This is so we can focus [our efforts] and use the available budget to the optimum,” Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Fadel Muhammad said as reported by kontan.co.id.<br /><br />The minister has allocated Rp 129 billion (US$14.3 million) for the construction of the ports located in several provinces including North and South Sulawesi, East and South Kalimantan and Papua.<br /><br />Fadel added that it was important to construct the 12 ports immediately since they would function as one-stop service centers (UPT) of the ministry.<br /><br />The House of Representatives approved the construction target set during a hearing with the ministry Thursday.