MEULABOH. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has vowed to help expedite the development of ports in the Aceh provincial district of Aceh Barat, to strengthen efforts towards the maritime axis vision in the region.
"We spoke to president directly and explained three issues, particularly those related to the maritime sector and the support required to achieve food self-sufficiency in Aceh Barat," Head of West Aceh District H. T. Alaidinsyah said after he met with Jokowi here on Thursday (16/7).
According to Alaidinsyah, the development of infrastructure to support the maritime sector, which needs to be expedited, includes the projects of the Fish Landing Port in Padang Seurahet, which began in 2013, and a harbor to connect the districts of Aceh Barat and Simeulue.
Funding of as much as Rp 40 billion from the state budget has been absorbed for the construction of the harbor, which commenced in 2010, the district head pointed out without disclosing the total required budget for the project.
"With regard to the development of the Fish Landing Port and the harbor, the president asked me to meet with the related minister immediately," he stated.
In addition, Jokowi also promised to help complete the development of irrigation facilities in Lhok Guci in Pante Ceureumen, West Aceh, with a budget of Rp 100 billion.
During his official visit, President Jokowi shared the spirit of giving of Ramadan by distributing packages of staple food to fishermen's families in Lhok Bubon village in Sama Tiga sub-district, Aceh Barat district.
The head of state also handed out student aid packages to the fishermen's children. Thereafter, he continued his visit to Suak Ribee village, where he distributed staple food packages among local residents.
Accompanied by First Lady Iriana, several cabinet members, Governor of Aceh Zaini Abdullah, and Chief of the Aceh Police Inspector General Husein Hamidi, the president arrived in Meulaboh, Nagan Raya district, at 10:30 a.m. local time.
Among the ministers part of the president's entourage were Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Sofyan Djalil and Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Ferry Mursyidan Baldan.
Moreover, Jokowi also met with local government officials, Muslim clerics, and community leaders at Ahlu Sunnah Islamic Boarding School in Ujong Baroh village, Johan Pahlawan sub-district.
After performing the dzuhur (midday prayer) and holding the meeting, he returned to Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh province, with his entourage to break the fast and hold a "takbiran" (recital of God is great) parade, on Thursday evening.
The "takbiran" marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, after which Muslims in Indonesia and other parts of the world celebrate Idul Fitri.
The president attended Idul Fitri prayer along with First Lady Iriana and Muslims in Banda Aceh, on Friday morning.
