PONTIANAK, Thekabarnews.com—West Kalimantan Deputy Governor Krisantus Kurniawan has urged the central government to accelerate strategic infrastructure development. For example, he mentioned the optimization of Kijing Port as an international port. He also called for the evaluation of regional spatial planning policies.

Krisantus conveyed the message in an official visit to the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development in Jakarta, Thursday, April 30.

The meeting was an important opportunity for the West Kalimantan Provincial Government to push for the acceleration of several national strategic projects. These projects are considered crucial for regional economic growth.

The Deputy Governor, during the audience, met with the Deputy for Regional Development Equity, Agrarian Affairs, and Spatial Planning. Several senior provincial officials also attended the meeting.

Among others, the West Kalimantan Regional Development Planning Agency (Bapperida) head, Linda Purnama, was present. The head of the West Kalimantan Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR), Iskandar Zulkarnain, also attended. In addition, representatives from the banking and regional guarantee sectors were present.

The discussion, among other topics, focused on optimizing Kijing Port’s function as an international gateway. Krisantus emphasized that strong connectivity infrastructure, especially the construction of the Pontianak-Kijing toll road, should support the international port status.

“The acceleration of this toll road is the key to the effective operation of the Kijing Port. The right connectivity is crucial for realizing the port’s potential. This route is the logistics lifeline linking production centers to export gateways,” Krisantus said.

The Deputy Governor also called on the central government to help dredge the Kapuas River so that ships can still enter Dwikora Port in Pontianak. High sedimentation in the river made this action necessary.

Krisantus also emphasized the urgency of reviewing the Regional Spatial Planning (RTRW) policy, in addition to physical infrastructure.

He said the government needs to adjust the current spatial planning framework to reflect actual conditions on the ground. In particular, he stressed the need for changes regarding land disputes, community mining activities, and the protection of indigenous rights.

“Central government policies need to be in tune with field realities. It is important to assess the RTRW so that there is legal certainty, including legal space for community mining activities,” he said.

The provincial government also expressed hope that the Presidential Instruction (Inpres) on Regional Roads, which provides financial support for the acceleration of provincial road development, will continue.

These kinds of roads contribute significantly to local economic activity and help improve access between districts.

Officials of the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development positively responded to the proposals, appreciating the initiative of the provincial government. They said that cross-ministerial discussions involving relevant institutions would follow the proposals.

The visit is expected to accelerate infrastructure development in West Kalimantan. It should also support regional equity, stronger logistics networks, and better legal certainty in land and spatial planning for local communities.

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