The Palmerah Tidal Bridge project has been granted the National Strategic Project status by the Indonesian government, implying it is regarded a priority project that benefits the economy and society as a whole. The priority status also means that all ministers, government agencies and governors need to support the project's development.

The first phase of the project, which is estimated to take two years, has a contract value of USD $200 million. In this stage the 800 meter Palmerah Bridge will be constructed at the Larantuka Strait, as well as a tidal energy power plant with an installed capacity of 18 MW to 23 MW which is designed to provide energy for more than 100.000 people in the area. After the first phase is concluded, the project is followed by an extension and finalization of the power plant to an installed capacity of 90 MW to 115 MW for more than half a million people.

The Palmerah Tidal Bridge project was on the agenda during Indonesian President Joko Widodo's visit to the Netherlands in April 2016. Back then we reported Tidal Bridge B.V. had signed a MoU with Pembangkit Listrik Jawa Bali, the local government of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works & Housing, and Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources for the development of the Pancasila Palmerah (suspension) bridge in East Nusa Tenggara, which will connect the islands of Flores and Adonara over the Larantuka Strait.

The project is a key infrastructure project that will improve connectivity in the eastern part of Indonesia as well as include a much-needed energy solution for part of the local population (the planned location, Larantuka Strait, is highly suitable for the generation of tidal energy due to the water flows). In a statement Tidal Bridge added the project will have a direct impact on the local fishery and agro culture, boost tourism and improve access to education and healthcare.

Read more: Analysis of Infrastructure Development in Indonesia

Strukton International is part of Oranjewoud N.V., a Netherlands-based company engaged in the construction sector that is listed on the official market of Euronext N.V. in Amsterdam and for 95.56 percent owned by Centric B.V. Ahead of this project Strukton established a joint venture with the Dutch Expansion Capital (DEC) investment company.

Bahas