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PRESIDENT Joko Widodo (Jokowi) reviewed the progress in construction of tourism infrastructure projects in Ujung Village, Labuan Bajo, Komodo Sub-District, West Manggarai District, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province, on Thursday.
“Today, I am inspecting and regulating the start of the Labuan Bajo tourist area management. Here, indeed, (the infrastructure projects) are being developed in the designated areas that we had planned last year,” President Jokowi stated.
The projects to support the tourism industry in Labuan Bajo comprised the construction of roads, pedestrian lines, beachside areas, and supporting drainage system. Construction at the Batu Cermin Cave area has reached 47 percent completion of the total work.
He revealed Sidewalks from the Kampung Ujung area to the adjoining marina area are under construction.
“We will thereafter renovate the old port. We will move it to the new port at Wae Kelambu. We are optimistic of the first stage being completed at the end of 2020 and the second stage in 2021,” Jokowi remarked.
Before visiting Kampung Ujung, the head of state first briefly inspected the Labuan Bajo Port area. From Kampung Ujung, he headed to Batu Cermin, which is approximately 5.3 kilometers away.
“Puncak Waringin was under renovation to serve as a place to display handicraft products from NTT, especially weaving and carving,” he remarked.
Rinca Island, home to the Komodo dragon, the world’s only surviving giant lizard, is also being renovated to enhance its nature and facilities for tourists.
“(The area) where we can see Komodo dragons is rearranged (to align) with the characteristics of the area to make it appear natural,” the president remarked, adding that Labuan Bajo is being developed into a premium tourist destination.
Jokowi and his entourage also briefly inspected a multifunction terminal construction project in the Wae Kelambu area. The terminal is expected to support loading and unloading activities of ship containers.
After visiting the infrastructure projects, President Jokowi was scheduled to distribute working capital assistance to micro and small entrepreneurs in Labuan Bajo. [antaranews]
