Indonesia-India Agree on Aceh-Andaman Connectivity Development

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia and India have agreed on a plan of action to develop the connectivity between Aceh - Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the first joint task force meeting held in Banda Aceh on December 7.

The action plan has covered six areas of cooperation namely trade and investment, infrastructure development in Sabang, connectivity development, marine and fishery, tourism and exchange of culture, science and technology, acting Aceh Governor Nova Iriansyah said in a statement here on Sunday.

The meeting has also identified some concrete projects including the development and management of Sabang Port. As an initial move, an Indian infrastructure and transportation company RITES Ltd have conducted a pre-feasibility study of the project.

Both countries have also agreed to encourage people-to-people contact through the establishment of sister province cooperation between Aceh - Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

"The provincial government of Aceh has reiterated its commitment to support the development of connectivity between Aceh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands," he said.

The joint task force (JTF) led jointly by the Director of South and Central Asia of the Indonesian Foreign Ministry and Joint Secretary South of Indian Foreign Ministry.

The JTF's members  comprise officials of ministries and government institutions, local government, business operators from both countries.

The joint task force was established as a follow up of the keenness of both countries' leaders in 2018 to develop connectivity between two nearest regions.

Indonesia and India shared a marine border with huge economic potential in each of the territories.

In 2018, Indian investment in Indonesia has reached US$82.12 billion.

ANTARA