Indonesia asks Saudi Arabia's help to build bridge

President Abdurrahman Wahid has sought the help of Saudi Arabia to build a bridge that would link Manado, North Sulawesi and Makassar, South Sulawesi. "I have asked the Saudi Arabian government to build a bridge that would connect Manado and Makassar," he said at the inauguration of the newly renovated Sam Ratulangi airport here Monday.

The airport has been gradually reconstructed since 1997. Its landing strip was extended from 2,500 meters to 2,650 meters. New terminals and other facilities have also been constructed.