VP SUPPORTS CONSTRUCTION OF HYDRO-POWER PLANTS IN PAPUA

Jakarta, Feb 25 (ANTARA) - Vice President Boediono fully supports the construction of hydro-power plants (PLTAs) in Papua province to meet the local people's need for electricity.

"The feasibility studies on the PLTA projects in Papua have been completed and the local government has asked for the vice president's support to speed up their construction," vice presidential spokesman Yopi Hidayat said here on Thursday.

Yopi Hidayat made the remark after accompanying Vice President Boediono at a meeting with Papua Governor Barnabas Suebu at the Vice Presidential Palace to discuss various issues related to education and infrastructure in the Indonesia's easternmost province.

He said the PLTA projects in Papua would be of great significance in meeting the electricity needs of the local people and companies there.

According to Hidayat, the PLTA projects with a combined capacity of 2,100 megawatt would later sell electricity to a number of smelter companies and PT Freeport Indonesia in the province.

Hidayat said the vice president at the meeting with Suebu, promised to fully support and speed up the PLTA projects which were to be set up in the northern and southern parts of Papua.

Vice President Boediono had the meeting with Papua governor after observing his 67th birthday party at the Vice Presidential Palace.

The small party he hosted was attended by hundreds of vice presidential office employees, members of presidential security guard (Paspampress), a number of newsmen, but no cabinet ministers nor state officials were present.

"I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all parties who have wished me happy birthday, either directly and through facebook," Boediono told the press at the vice presidential palace.

The party was concluded with a prayer and lunch with tumpeng, ceremonial dish of yellow rice served in a cone shape.

Looking cheerful, the vice president said he would dedicate the rest of his life to service to the state and nation.

"For the rest of my life, I would like to do my best to serve the state and nation," the vice president said.

Asked about the challenges and trials he was facing as vice president, Boediono admitted that life was full of trials and risks but this would not be a stumbling block for him to give his best possible service to the state and nation.