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Indonesia plans to build country’s longest sea bridge linking islands near Singapore, in infrastructure push
- The plans are part of President Joko Widodo’s US$400 billion infrastructure push
- The government aims to reposition Batam as an alternative shipping hub to Singapore, and is eyeing growth in Bintan to seize opportunities arising from the US-China trade war
Indonesia plans to build its longest sea bridge next year to connect two islands in the Malacca Strait, near Singapore, as part of efforts to develop industry and tourism in the area.
The 7km bridge linking Batam and Bintan will cost as much as 4 trillion rupiah (US$284 million) and construction is set to take three to four years, the country’s cabinet secretariat said in a statement on Thursday.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who has secured his second term in office, is embarking on a more than US$400 billion infrastructure push.
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The government wants to reposition Batam as an alternative shipping and manufacturing hub to Singapore with a potential to draw US$60 billion in new investment.
The ministry in charge of public works is preparing a feasibility study and analysing engineering designs, and is aiming complete these by the end of the year, according to the statement.
Indonesia is developing the Batam area to attract opportunities potentially arising from the US-China trade conflict, according to Edy Putra Irawady, head of Batam Development Body.
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The bridge aims to capitalise on expansion of neighbouring Singapore’s Changi Airport with its development of a fifth terminal, which will have transport links to Bintan.
Indonesia wants the bridge to reduce logistics costs, improve connectivity and boost tourism in the area.
Widodo’s administration is also reviewing the possibility to connect Peninsular Malaysia with the Indonesian island of Sumatra, head of the country’s toll-road regulator, Danang Parikesit, said in an interview last month.
Additional reporting by Reuters
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