TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State-owned Barata Indonesia has started exporting train components to the United States and Mexico. The first shipment was on Wednesday, August 24 for a long term contract that lasts from 2011-2021.
Barata Indonesia made the deal with Standard Car Truck Company from Illinois.
"Our foundry factory is certified by the Association of America Railroads (AAR), which is a requirement to enter the US and Canadian markets," Barata Indonesia president director Silmy Karim said yesterday.
Founded in 1901, Barata's has an export value of US$10 million a year, which is about 20 percent of the company's annual income.
Silmy said that the heavy industries are one of Indonesia's main pillars for economic success. Pointing out leading Asian countries like Japan, China, and Korea with advanced heavy industries, Silmy said it is "necessary for the state to develop industries to support economic growth."
Another state-owned company, Industri Kereta Api (INKA), exported 15 train cars to Bangladesh Railway. The shipment was part of a 150-car order worth US$73 million.
EGI ADYATAMA