The hydropower plant in Malinau district, North Kalimantan province, is expected to be completed immediately so that the benefits can also be felt soon by the people. The construction of the hydropower plant is a collaboration between Indonesia and Malaysia.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo officially conducted groundbreaking for the hydropower plant project of the Mentarang Induk Power Plant of PT. Kayan Hydropower Nusantara, in Malinau district, North Kalimantan province, Wednesday.

"Today I am very, very, very happy because the Mentarang Induk Power Plant starts the work. The construction begins," President Widodo said in his remarks.

The president also said he was happy because this infrastructure could be built in collaboration between Indonesia and Malaysia.

"And, what makes me happier is because this is done by the Indonesian and Malaysian consortiums, showing that we as brothers of a family can really work together well," he added.

On that occasion, the head of state also expressed his appreciation to all parties who have supported this development project.

"I really appreciate traditional figures, religious figures in Malinau district, especially the big tribes, the Dayak tribe, that provide full supports to this project. We hope that we all get great benefits from integrated projects in Mentarang sub-district and those in Bulungan district, "he said.

The president also hopes that the construction of the hydropower plant can be completed immediately so that the benefits can also be felt by the people soon.

"Seven years will be completed and we hope that it will truly provide benefits to Malinau district, to the province of North Kalimantan, and to all of our Indonesian people," he said.

Some officials accompanied the president on the occasion, including the Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Minister of Investment/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, and North Kalimantan Province Governor Zainal Arifin Paliwang.

The Prime Minister of Malaysian State of Sarawak, Abdul Rahman Johari, and the Chair of the Indonesian Consortium at the Mentarang Hydropower Plant, Boy Thohir, also attended the groundbreaking event.

Reporting by Indonesia Window