If the tourism sector is developed, we will add 25 MW towards the end of 2017."
Gunung Sitoli (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said Nias Island has two great potentials in the form of tourism and the fishery sector, and both can be developed by the local administration.

"I have seen Nias from the sky. It has two great potentials: tourism and fishery. We should focus on these two sectors," Jokowi stated here on Friday (August 19).

According to the president, the electricity related infrastructure should be built and an airport should be constructed with a focus on these two sectors.

The electricity generation must be enough to support a cold storage facility in the fishery industry. That will help the area in exporting the commodity to other countries.

Jokowi underlined his belief that the Nias Island can achieve more economic development if the local government focuses on these two sectors.

"However, we should also maintain security. We also need to be open to welcome investment and tourists. The local administration should disseminate the message of development. I have received some information that there have been some misunderstandings and that is causing problem," the president noted.

Jokowi disclosed that a mayor and four heads of districts have informed him that many development projects are being hampered in Nias due to lack of electricity, inadequate airport facility as well as poor road conditions and educational facilities.

The president pointed out that Nias needs 50 megawatt of power now while currently, only 27 Mw is available.

He added that gas generation in the area can add up to 25 Mw of electricity.

The government planned to complete the construction of gas electricity generator in October 2016.

"If the tourism sector is developed, we will add 25 MW towards the end of 2017," the president observed.

The electricity development, Jokowi reiterated, can increase tourism and attract other investors to Nias.

The airport will also be upgraded by extending the runway to 2,200 meters in 2016.

Jokowi plans to extend the runway up to 2,800 meters in 2017 so that the bigger airplanes can land in Nias.

He will also discuss the issue of road construction in Nias with Public Works Minister Basuki Hadimuljono.

(Reported by Agus Salim/Uu.B019/INE/KR-BSR/A014)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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