KONTAN.CO.ID - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan inaugurated the construction of Benoa Port, Bali, that requires an investment of Rp1.7 trillion.

"The investment will be Rp1.7 trillion. There will be dock, condotel, and other facilities. We invite other investors to take part as well," Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said in a press statement here on Monday.

The development of Benoa Port will boost the local economy in the region. It will be used as a terminal for tourist boats.

During the operation of the port, the surrounding communities would supply the needs of the ships, in an attempt to increase the local economy.

"The construction of ports will create more jobs," he added.

After the sand-breaking process, the depth of sea lanes can reach minus 12 meters low water spring (LWS). Thus, the ship with a length of more than 300 meters and a capacity of 5 thousand passengers can dock at the Port of Benoa.

Currently, the port has a depth of minus 8 meters LWS, which can only accommodate cruises with a length of less than 210 meters and a capacity of 1.4 thousand passengers.

The development of supporting facilities at the port is targeted to be completed before the IMF and World Bank Annual Meeting hosted by Indonesia in Nov 2018.

The completion of the project will attract special guests (VIP) or tourists to the island of Bali before visiting other destinations such as Lombok or Labuan Bajo.

Editor: Rizki Caturini