Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) – Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago said that expanding Kalimantan’s transportation infrastructure, especially its railway network, is crucial to improving interregional connectivity and driving economic growth.
“Kalimantan’s vast territory, with its widely distributed natural resources, requires adequate connecting transportation infrastructure so that community mobility, goods distribution, and the regional potential management can be carried out more optimally,” Chaniago said during a working visit and meeting with local government officials here on Saturday.
According to him, railway development in Kalimantan deserves serious attention because land connectivity is a key factor in linking the island’s five provinces, which have extensive territories and significant economic potential.
“Regarding the transportation sector, how many railway lines does Kalimantan need? We should not merely discuss the concept; it must be realized,” he said.
The minister added that, in addition to railway development, the construction of roads, airports, and maritime transportation infrastructure should also be strengthened in an integrated manner to improve connectivity across Kalimantan.
He said better interregional connectivity would provide significant benefits by facilitating the movement of people, goods, and economic activities across the region.
According to him, transportation infrastructure development is not only a current necessity but also part of a long-term strategy to strengthen Kalimantan’s competitiveness.
“We hope greater attention will continue to be given to connectivity development so that Kalimantan’s enormous potential can deliver wider benefits to the public and support regional growth,” Chaniago said.
The government has previously announced a plan to construct a 2,772-kilometer railway network across Kalimantan Island to strengthen connectivity and support logistics distribution across the island.
Additionally, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) said the project remains in the calculation and planning stage.
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Translator: Tumpal. Kenzu
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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