The government plans to build a 7.04 kilometer Batam-Bintan Bridge to connect the islands in the Malacca Strait, in 2020. The construction of the sea bridge is to develop the industrial and tourism sectors in the region.
The construction of the Batam-Bintan Bridge (Babin) in the Riau Islands was funded by the government through the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR). The value of the bridge project reaches IDR 3 trillion to IDR 4 trillion, using multiyears contract financing.
The Babin Bridge will have four main pillars extending from Batam Island, Ngenang Island, Tanjung Sauh Island, to Bintan Island.
The construction is divided into three stages, namely the first phase connecting Batam Island to Tanjung Sauh Island (2.12 km); the second phase connects Tanjung Sauh Island to Buau Island (4.1 km); and the third line connects Buau Island to Bintan Island (855 meters).
Currently the Ministry of PUPR is preparing a feasibility study (FS) and a detailed technical design (DED) which is targeted to be completed by the end of 2019. The government estimates that the development project will run for three to four years.
When completed, the bridge will increase connectivity and reduce logistics costs in the Riau Islands. In addition, the Babin Bridge will support the development of the Tanjung Sauh Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as well as the industrial and tourism zones on Galang Island and Bintan.
In the Galang Batang SEZ there is aluminum processing, logistics, garment and energy industries. The SEZ also has three Steam Power Plants (PLTU), each with a capacity of 6 × 25 MW, 8 × 150 MW, and 10 × 150 MW.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing opened opportunities for the participation of business entities in the construction of the bridge. Participation can be in the form of government cooperation with business entities. However, the financing scheme will depend on the results of the study.
