INDUSTRY.co.id - Palembang - Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi conveyed will encourage PT. Pelindo II to immediately increase cooperation (with the investor) to accelerate the development of Tanjung Api-api Port. This was conveyed by the Minister of Transportation in conducting the review of Tanjung Api-api Port on Saturday (26/8).

"In order not to lose the momentum of the acceleration of development of Tanjung Api-api port and not to wait for each other between investment in advance or development," said Minister of Transportation.

Furthermore Minister of Transportation Budi said Tanjung Api-api Port area is still found some obstacles.

"Like shallow pond depths, an average of 4-5m depending on tidal water, sedimentation around the pier and access roads that have not been asphalted," explained Minister of Transportation.

In the review of the Minister of Transportation explained there are two alternative solutions for Tanjung Api-api development, the first dredging up to a maximum depth of -10 m LWS.

"The second alternative is the courage to build, it must be brave to build the port at Tanjung Carat Terminal which is located 15 kilometers from Tanjung Api-api," said Minister of Transportation.

For that Minister of Transportation asked PT. Pelindo II and PT. KEK (Special Economic Zone) to discuss the problem of acceleration of Tanjung Api-api port development.

"I give the opportunity to do FS (Feasibility Study) within one month ahead and report it no later than two months ahead, and I appoint Director of Port of Sea Transportation Directorate as observer," close Minister of Transportation.

Tanjung Api-api Port is located in the town of Banyuasin, South Sumatra. Ports whose management under the Technical Unit of KSOP Class II of Palembang are referred to as Collector ports having a dock length (50 x 20) m2 with a dock depth of -3.5 m LWS. Tanjung Api-api port is currently able to accommodate vessels weighing 464 GRT

As informed by Public Relations of Kemenhub, the development of Tanjung Api-api Port has received environmental permit from AMDAL 2004 Prov. South Sumatera, RIP from APBD in 2013 South Sumatra Province and SID from APBD 2008 of South Sumatra.

The development of 2017 is done through the state budget, for the completion of the piling and road to the pier. The current position is being carried out the mobilization of material piles and iron concrete as well as the maturation of land for roads.

Tanjung Api-api Port is built to serve coal commodities and it is estimated that the Year 2017 is ready to be operationalized.

Also present at this working visit was Secretary General Sugihardjo, President Director of PT Pelindo II, Elvyn G Masassya, South Sumatra Provincial Secretary Nasrun Umar.