TANJUNG SELOR Good news has come for the people of the border of North Kalimantan (Kaltara). The Central Government finally approved the aspirations of the Governor of Kaltara, Zainal Arifin Paliwang regarding infrastructure improvement in border areas.
This approval was conveyed directly by the Minister of Finance (Menkeu) Purbaya Yudhi Sadivewa in a joint meeting with the Association of Indonesian Provincial Governments (APPSI) at the Ministry of Finance Office, Jakarta, Tuesday, October 7.
During the meeting, Minister of Finance Purbaya admitted that he was touched by the condition of infrastructure in Kaltara, especially areas that do not yet have a bridge connecting between regions.
"I just gave one gift from Kaltara. He (Governor of Kaltara) said the place does not have a bridge, so many residents go to Malaysia," said Purbaya.
The Minister of Finance emphasized that his party would allocate a budget of Rp150 billion for the construction of bridges in the Binuang area, Nunukan Regency. He has also instructed his staff to immediately coordinate with the Ministry of Public Works to start the development stage.
Governor Zainal expressed his gratitude for the central government's attention to Kaltara as the front line of the Republic of Indonesia.
"I convey that Kaltara received direct assistance from the Minister of Finance of Rp150 billion to build a bridge so that our brothers in Krayan get a regional connection that can be realized immediately," he said.
According to the Governor, the existence of the bridge is very vital for border communities who are still dependent on logistics supplies from Malaysia. With the construction of the Malinau 'Binuang bridge, basic food and basic needs can be directly distributed from within the country.
"We are a big country, a rich country. Shame if everything depends on Malaysia. God willing, after the bridge is complete, that dependence will not happen again," he said.
Governor Zainal explained that the construction will be carried out in two stages, namely the construction of the Binuang Bridge and Semamu Bridge. With a length of less than 100 meters and a width of about 6 meters, this project is expected to be completed next year (2026).
"We will optimize this Rp150 billion fund, if possible we will immediately build two bridges. I have asked the PURP Office of Perkim Kaltara to immediately prepare the technical planning," he explained.
"With full support from the central government, the construction of this bridge is believed to be a symbol of infrastructure progress in border areas, as well as concrete steps to strengthen connectivity and economic independence of the people of Kaltara," said Zainal.
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