Bitung Port Will Be Maximized Its Potential For Fishery Exports

JAKARTA - Bitung Port in Bitung City, North Sulawesi (Sulut), will maximize its potential to increase exports, especially fishery products from the port.

"Instruction from the President, we will increase exports from Bitung Port, especially the fisheries sector. The trick is that we maximize the potential of Bitung Port," said Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi quoting Antara.

he said that with Bitung Port as the gateway for world exports, exports of fishery products, plants, and other food commodities are expected to be more stretched and can improve the economy of the people of North Sulawesi.

"In 2023 the number of fishery exports from North Sulawesi to Japan is 113,231 kilograms. In the future, we will continue to increase it, not only to Japan but also to other Asian countries such as China and Korea. To make it happen, we also cooperate with local governments, the private sector, and other relevant agencies," said the Minister of Transportation.

Bitung Port is a port that is included in a national strategic project (PSN) with a target as an international hub port. The port was also built to support the Bitung Special Economic Zone.

In addition, the existence of Bitung Port will also support industrial activities in eastern Indonesia including Ambon and Ternate (farm, industry, and mining) as well as Samarinda, Balikpapan, Tarakan, and Nunukan (coal, petroleum, and layered wood).

The development of Bitung Port and its surroundings will also increase port capacity to around 2.7 million TEUs (20 feet of container).

On Thursday (22/2), the Minister of Transportation also accompanied President Jokowi to inaugurate Makassar New Port in Makassar City, South Sulawesi.

The Minister of Transportation hopes that the presence of Makassar New Port can accelerate economic growth and equity in eastern Indonesia.

"Furthermore, hopefully Indonesia's maritime connectivity can be more resilient, efficient, and have a big impact on the progress of the nation," said the Minister of Transportation.