Yogya to build Rp 320b harbor

YOGYAKARTA: In cooperation with South Korean investors, the provincial government of Yogyakarta is to build a Rp 320 billion fish harbor at Glagah Indah beach, Kulonprogo regency, this year.

Speaking earlier this week, Yogyakarta provincial secretary Bambang Susanto Priyohadi said that establishment of the harbor would hopefully improve exploration of the province's marine potential, as well as create jobs for at least 10,000 workers.

"We plan to finish building the port in three years and expect to create new jobs for at least 2,500 workers during its first year of operation," said Bambang, adding that, subsequently, it would eventually absorb a total of some 10,000 workers.

Bambang added that establishment of the fish port was only the first step in cooperation with the South Korean investors, as both parties had also expressed a commitment to build a general cargo port in the same area.

"We are studying whether that port will be built to serve only the southern part of Java or become a service center for central Indonesia.

"That's why we do not yet know exactly how much investment will be required," Bambang said. -- JP