Wali Kota Makassar, Munafri ‘Appi’ Arifuddin, is actively championing the construction of the Barombong Bridge in the Tamalate District of Makassar, South Sulawesi. He has assured that the city administration is prepared to facilitate land acquisition necessary for the bridge’s construction at a more suitable location. This was addressed during a meeting held in the Mayor’s office on Friday, July 18, 2025, which included key figures from PT Gowa Makassar Tourism Development (GMTD) and various Makassar city officials.
Appi stated, “While we are responsible for land acquisition for the Barombong Bridge, it’s the Provincial Government that will execute the bridge’s construction to alleviate traffic congestion.”
The urgency for the Barombong Bridge project is evident, as the current bridge is no longer adequate and frequently contributes to traffic jams. Appi has coordinated with the South Sulawesi Provincial Government to bolster support for the project and emphasized the need for collaboration and clarity regarding land ownership on both sides of the bridge to ensure that the development progresses smoothly.
“We have discussed the Barombong Bridge project with the Governor. Now, we need to finalize land acquisition. The city government is ready to assist, provided we clarify who owns the land on both sides,” he asserted.
Without certainty on land ownership, this bridge project faces potential delays. Therefore, Appi is urging all stakeholders, particularly GMTD as a property owner in the vicinity, to actively collaborate on finding solutions. “If we don’t resolve this, we risk stalling at a critical point. The bridge is quite lengthy, so I’ve requested that we collectively expedite the land acquisition to enable the Provincial Government’s swift completion of the construction,” he remarked.
This meeting represents a proactive step by the Makassar city government to enhance regional connectivity and foster a conducive and collaborative investment climate, particularly in strategic areas like Barombong and its surroundings. “We want to avoid any complications in the permitting process that could hamper investment with unnecessary costs. Everything must proceed through official channels—efficiently and transparently,” he added.
“Makassar is very open to investment. This goes beyond just physical development; it also involves economic growth and job creation. However, all parties must adhere to regulations and ensure compliance without circumventing the rules,” he concluded.