Governor of Riau Islands, Ansar Ahmad, engaged with the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR), advocating for central government support in executing several pivotal projects in the region.
Monday witnessed the Riau Islands Governor, Ansar Ahmad, actively pursuing developmental assistance by visiting the Ministry of Public Works and Housing office. This pursuit aims at bolstering the Riau Islands’ infrastructural and economic stature through crucial projects.
Highlighting the strategic endeavors, Governor Ansar pointed towards key initiatives like the third-phase revitalization of Penyengat Island in Tanjungpinang, the establishment of the Kundur Regional Public Hospital, the construction of a Type C Market in Anambas District, and the enhancement of clean water services in Tanjungpinang.
In his discourse with the Director-General of PUPR, Diana Kusumastuti, the Governor showcased the progress of the Penyengat Island revitalization. With an earmarked budget of IDR 25 billion, the second phase focused on road quality enhancements spanning 3.462 kilometers, inclusive of improved drainage and utility channels.
With an outlook towards the third phase, Ansar added, “We plan to continue the beautification of Penyengat Island, addressing the roadworks left incomplete in the second phase. Furthermore, there’s a vision to cultivate traditional homes and construct the Language Monument.”
Extending the conversation, the Governor sought the Ministry’s backing for the proposed hospital in Kundur Island, the Anambas Type C Market, and the optimization of Tanjungpinang’s clean water supply. “We need the central government’s robust support for our strategic projects, especially the hospital, to ensure optimal healthcare. The clean water supply in Tanjungpinang and the third phase of Penyengat Island’s revitalization are equally significant. We envision Tanjungpinang as the provincial capital, representing Riau Islands and even Indonesia,” asserted Ansar.
Diana Kusumastuti, the Director-General of PUPR, lauded Governor Ansar’s commitment to development in the Riau Islands. Demonstrating a positive stance, she reiterated the Ministry’s complete backing for the Penyengat Island project and other outlined ventures. These proposals will be further escalated to the Minister of PUPR for an in-depth discussion.
These developments in the Riau Islands could mean enhanced connectivity, improved infrastructure, and potentially bolstered tourism opportunities. The strengthening of such strategic projects could also highlight the Riau Islands as a more appealing destination, promoting increased interaction and collaboration with neighboring regions like Singapore.
The Riau Islands Governor, Ansar Ahmad, has actively engaged with the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, advocating for the support of multiple key development projects in the region. From the revitalization of Penyengat Island to enhancing health and market infrastructures, the proposed initiatives promise to significantly uplift the Riau Islands’ stature.
Source : Batam News, Antara News (2023)
