Indonesia is building the longest sea bridge in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia will build a 7-kilometer-long sea bridge connecting two islands near Singapore to boost regional trade.
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Batam Island, Indonesia. Photo:Reuters. |
The Indonesian Cabinet Office announced on July 11 that construction on a 7-kilometer bridge connecting the islands of Batam and Bintan will begin next year at a cost of approximately 4 trillion rupiah (US$284 million) and will take 3-4 years to complete. Upon completion, it will be the longest sea bridge in Southeast Asia.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo is pushing forward infrastructure investment packages worth $400 billion. The Indonesian government wants to transform Batam Island into a manufacturing and shipping hub on par with Singapore, attracting $60 billion in new investment. The Indonesian Ministry of Public Works and Housing will study and analyze bridge designs before the end of this year.
Indonesia wants to develop the Batam area to attract investors seeking alternative destinations in Southeast Asia amid US-China trade tensions. Additionally, the bridge aims to take advantage of Singapore's Changi Airport's upcoming Terminal 5, which will provide connections to Bintan.
Indonesia hopes the bridge will help reduce logistics costs and support tourism and transportation development in the region.
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Location of Batam and Bintan islands in Indonesia. Graphic:Straits Times. |
