The Riau Islands Provincial Government (Kepri) is speeding up the construction of HDPE pontoons in Durai, Karimun Regency. The new pontoons are expected to ease inter-island transport and replace the old, dilapidated structures, providing safer and more efficient access for the island’s residents.
The construction of the HDPE pontoon in Durai, Karimun Regency, is progressing rapidly, with all necessary materials on-site and workers actively engaged in installation. This pontoon will play a vital role in facilitating the movement of people and goods between islands, especially for the residents who rely heavily on maritime transportation. The previous pontoon had collapsed due to age and harsh sea conditions, making this new infrastructure highly anticipated by the community.
Junaidi, the Head of the Department of Transportation for the Riau Islands, highlighted that the construction of the HDPE pontoon is part of Kepri’s strategic initiative to improve maritime transport across the region. “The new HDPE pontoon will provide safer and more comfortable access for residents, enhancing their mobility and facilitating trade,” Junaidi stated on October 14, 2024. The pontoon is expected to be operational by the end of the year, benefiting both personal and commercial transport.
This new development follows public demands for better maritime infrastructure after the old pontoon, crucial for inter-island transportation, collapsed. Junaidi assured that the project’s swift progress is a response to these needs, with the aim of improving safety and efficiency for Durai residents who depend on maritime routes for their daily lives.
Beyond Durai, the Kepri government has launched several similar HDPE pontoon projects across various locations, including Pantai Indah Kijang in Bintan, Pulau Penyengat in Tanjungpinang, and Sedanau in Natuna. These pontoons are part of a larger modernization initiative to ensure the region’s predominantly maritime population has access to reliable and well-maintained transport hubs.
The new pontoons are designed for durability and to withstand harsh marine conditions, offering improved safety and convenience. Each pontoon is built with high-quality materials and equipped with modern facilities to support the transport of goods and passengers, addressing the growing demand for better infrastructure in the region.
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Junaidi emphasized the importance of maintaining these facilities long-term. “With Kepri’s vast maritime territory, efficient sea transport is crucial. We hope the community will also help care for the pontoons so they can serve future generations,” he said. He expressed confidence that the HDPE pontoons would significantly boost local economies by facilitating smoother and faster inter-island transport
The accelerated development of HDPE pontoons in Kepri reflects the government’s commitment to improving transport links in this maritime region. As projects like the Durai pontoon near completion, islanders can expect better safety and convenience in their daily travels, boosting local trade and mobility.
The Kepri government is fast-tracking the construction of HDPE pontoons in Durai, set to improve inter-island transport for residents by the end of 2024. The project, part of a larger regional initiative, will replace outdated infrastructure with safer, modern pontoons, benefiting personal and commercial mobility across the islands.
Sources: Batam News, Harian Kepri (2024)
