Jokowi Pushes Japan to Accelerate MRT Project in Indonesia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko Widodo or Jokowi met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan. The state leaders discussed, among others, the Mass Rapid Transit or MRT project in Indonesia. 

Jokowi conveyed to Kishida the need to accelerate the completion of the project which is partly funded by Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). "The President proposed for a direct appointment of Japan contractors," as stated in a written statement from the Palace.

Currently, MRT development in Indonesia is underway. The latest information is that MRT Jakarta is still attempting to collect the funding for the third and fourth phase constructions. MRT Jakarta secretary, Ahmad Pratomo, said the management is actively communicating with prospective investors through various forums organized by the government and private parties.

"For the development of phase 3, we facilitate all forms of delivery of interest from prospective partners to related authorities," Ahmad told Tempo, on May 10, 2023.

In addition to MRT, Jokowi and Kishida also talked about the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA). Jokowi hopes the discussion related to IJEPA can finish in September 2023.

Fajar Pebrianto

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