INDUSTRY.co.id - Padang - Ministry of Public Works and People's Housing explored the financing of the construction of the Padang toll road to Pekanbaru, Riau which is the fin toll of the Trans Sumatera toll road, to the Japanese side.

"There are 240 kilometers to be built from Padang to Pekanbaru, we are looking for funding, I have discussed with JICA Japan and last week his team has come to survey," said Minister of Public Works Basuki Hadimuljono in Padang on Monday night.

He delivered this after opening an international conference on Earth Sciences and Engineering and Interdisciplinary Research of Natural Medicines organized by Andalas University in collaboration with Cavet Inova tehnical Society.

According to Basuki there are several alternative financing whether using debt from Japan or with Cooperation Government and Business Entity (KPBU).

"If the use of the scheme is assigned Hutama Karya KPBU, or Japan to make expensive components only," he said.

He said for the construction will be shifted road trace so as not to liberate much land and going through the tunnel so shorter.

"Later September 5, 2017 the Japanese team will come again and hopefully can be decided so that in 2018 can begin implementation," he said.

Separately Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) West Sumatra Ramal Saleh assess the construction of Padang-Pekanbaru toll road, Riau will have an impact on economic improvement for the two provinces.

"The increase in the economy is closely related to investment, and infrastructure investment will open up an area with other regions, so investors are more confident to invest," he said.

According to him, the construction of Padang-Pekanbaru toll road not only accelerates the distance between provinces, but also opens opportunities for investors to be more trust and comfortable to invest.

For the community will also have an impact, because if usually the distance Padang-Pekanbaru reaches eight to ten hours, then with the toll it can be taken with three to four hours.

"Almost 100 percent of the distance becomes shorter, and this will affect the business world," he explained.

Then with the short distance traveled, he continued connectivity Bayur Bay and Dumai Port will also be increased.

"The goods from Riau to be exported to Africa or India can also pass Bayur Bay, or vice versa," he said.