Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, Japan Ambassador Discuss Transportation Ties

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi held Wednesday a bilateral meeting with Japan Ambassador Kanasugi Kenji to discuss potential cooperation in transportation at the ministry’s office in Jakarta.

The meeting was an introductory session as Kanasugi Kenji had just taken office, replacing the previous Ambassador Ishi Mafumi.

The two discussed several transportation projects in Indonesia, such as the Patimban Port, the Jakarta MRT Phase 2, and the project plan of the semi-fast train Jakarta-Surabaya.

“I hope the Japan government can further support and cooperate related to the capacity building program for human resources or operators at Patimban Port,” said Budi Karya in a written statement.

Budi brought up eight main key points to Kanasugi Kenji, including the possible cooperation through the government-to-business cooperation (KPBU) scheme in a number of transportation infrastructure projects in Indonesia.

The minister also invited the ambassador to the "Ambassadorial Lecture" program and invited the latter to a joint discussion on logistical issues.

“We express our support for the Travel Corridor Arrangement (TCA) with Japan to open limited travel between Indonesia and Japan so that it can restore connectivity between the two countries,” said Budi Karya Sumadi.

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IMAM HAMDI