Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo inaugurated the Wani Port and Pantoloan Port in Teluk Palu, Donggala Regency, Central Sulawesi, on Wednesday. The ports were destroyed by liquefaction and a tsunami in 2018.

"The ports lay in ruins, but thanks to our collective efforts, praise God today we inaugurate the rehabilitation and reconstruction of port infrastructure in Teluk Palu, the Wani Port and Pantoloan Port," stated Jokowi.

Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) amounting to Rp 233 billion ($14.7 million), the construction of these ports aims to enhance port service capacity, serve as hubs for logistics activities, bolster regional connectivity, and catalyze economic development in Central Sulawesi Province.

Jokowi underscored the government's commitment to upgrading Indonesia's port facilities to compete internationally, emphasizing the need for ports to adhere to service and management standards, leverage technology for integrated logistics services, and integrate with other transportation modes to ensure efficiency.

Additionally, Jokowi greenlit plans for roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) ships to operate between Central Sulawesi and East Kalimantan, a move aimed at supporting the construction of the new national capital, Nusantara.

"I support this initiative because a significant portion of construction materials, particularly stones and sand, originate from Central Sulawesi, potentially benefiting the region immensely. The economic value is substantial, possibly reaching into trillions, thus providing mutual advantages for both Central Sulawesi and East Kalimantan," he elaborated.

Accompanying Jokowi at the inauguration were Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, Central Sulawesi Governor Rusdy Mastura, Acting Regent of Donggala Moh Rifani, and Country Director of ADB Indonesia Jiro Tominaga.