Govt To Ahead With Sunda Strait Bridge Development

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The government has assured it will go ahead with its plan to construct the Sunda Strait Bridge (JSS) while the relevant parties are still discussing it, according to Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto.

"We are discussing it. The project has to proceed," the minister said  after opening a national construction service forum and construction exhibition Indonesia 2012 here on Wednesday.

The minister made the remarks in reply to a reporter's question regarding the progress of the JSS project which was expected to cost Rp100 trillion.

"The initiator of the project is now preparing its feasibility study. It would be better if it is carried out by Indonesian experts. At least it is under the leadership of Indonesians. It can actually use foreign experts but I would be happy if it is coordinated by Indonesians. I believe that among the millions of Indonesian citizens there must be ones who can perform the jobs," the minister said.

It was earlier said that the continuation of the JSS project was not yet clear and its concept was still on the desk of the Team of Seven.

"The project's concept is still in the hands of the Team of Seven. Six of the team members have agreed to it but one of them has not yet said it is OK," Chief Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa said recently. (*/DWA/IGT)