President to Open Bali's Toll Road

Palembang (Antara Bali) - In the company of First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his entourage left  Palembang, South Sumatra, for Bali on Monday.

The head of state left Sultan Mahmud Baddaruddin II here at 9.15 am for Denpasar's Ngurah Rai airport in Bali to officially open the Bali toll road.

The construction of the 12.7-km toll road linking Benoa-Ngurah Rai-Nusa Dua on the island resort of Bali uses environmentally-friendly method to reduce environmental damage of the waters around Benoa Bay.

Construction of the road was undertaken by a project consortium comprised of a number State-owned companies: PT Jasa Marga Bali, PT Pelindo III, PT Angkasa Pura I, PT Pengembangan Pariwisata Bali, PT Wijaya Karya, PT Adhi Karya and PT Hutama Karya.

The Bali toll road together with the completion of the Simpang Siur underpass, are expected to reduce heavy traffic congestion in the Indonesian island resort of Bali.

President Yudhoyono left for Bali after completing his working visit to Palembang to open the Islamic Solidariy Games (ISG) at Jaka Baring sport stadium.

Ministers accompanying the head of state during the visit are among others Coordinating for Political, Law and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto, Coordinating Minister for Economy Hatta Rajasa, Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono, Youth and Sports Minister Roy Suryo, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, deputy Religious Affairs Minister Nazaruddin Umar, and deputy Culture and Education Minister Musliar Kasim. (*/DWA)