Jakarta - Ministry of Public Works and People's Housing began to prepare  the construction of Batam-Bintan (Babin) Bridge in Riau Archipelago. PUPR will conduct  feasibility study (FS) and detail engineering design (DED) which is estimated to cost Rp 4.3 trillion.

The Ministry of PUPR immediately prepared the proper  scheme for this construction bridge after President Joko Widodo directly instructed to start the construction of the  Babin bridge.

"President Joko Widodo decided to build this bridge so we have to well prepare. The initial design  already made, but it takes details research through the preparation of FS and DED. Furthermore the bridge  is crossing trough   the sea, and need to be taken detail by metridangeologiteknik bathy, " Menteri  Basuki explains.

The scheme to be taken for the Bintan Bridge trough the Government's partnership Scheme with Business Entity (KPBU) involving both government and private sector in the funding process.

"When it is fully  financed by private sector, this bridge is to become a toll road and the tariff will not affordable. Therefore, the Government will be involved in order that tariff will be more affordable. All calculates under FS. What is the tariff and how much government funding will be needed, "said Minister Basuki

However, the Ministry of PUPR is still reviewing for the best stages in the KPBU scheme that will be implemented so that it can benefit all parties in this Bintan bridge project.

Previously, the Governor of Riau Islands, Nurdin Basirun said that he has  President Joko Widodo approval to build this 7km long bridge. Nurdin also stated that there are foreign investors already want to build this bridge.

"There are investors from China, who built Suramadu Bridge, to build the Batangam-Bintanini Bridge. The 7 km length with investment value is Rp 4 trillion," Nurdin said (2/3/2018).

The construction of this bridge will be carried out in three traces, the first trace with a length of 2,124 meters will connect Batam Island and Pulau Tanjung Sauh, then the second trace with a length of 4,056 meters will connect Pulau TanjungSauhkePulauBuau, also the last trace with a length of 855 meters will connect Buauke Island.