Deputy Minister Of Public Works Strengthens Indonesia's Infrastructure Cooperation With Japan

Deputy Minister of Public Works Diana Kusumastuti (left) and Japanese MLIT Vice Minister for Engineering Affairs Masayoshi Hirose (right) (photo: PU)

Deputy Minister of Public Works (PU) Diana Kusumastuti discussed strengthening cooperation between the Government of Indonesia and Japan in the infrastructure sector.

As is known, Diana has met with Japan's Vice Minister for Engineering Affairs, Ministry of Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) Masayoshi Hirose at the Office of the Ministry of Public Works, Jakarta, Tuesday, February 25.

"We welcome the visit of Deputy Minister of Huse. Regardless of the ministry's restructuring, we remain committed to strengthening cooperation with the Japanese Government to support the development of sustainable infrastructure and provide broad benefits for the community," Diana said as quoted from her official statement, Wednesday, February 26.

Diana emphasized Indonesia's commitment to international forums in infrastructure and waters, one of which is through collaboration with the High-Level Experts and Leaders Panel on Water and Disasters (HELP).

Earlier on February 4, 2025, he had met with the HELP Coordinator Prof. Kenzo Hiroki to discuss the sustainability of the PU Ministry's support for HELP.

"We continue to support cooperation in anticipating the impact of climate change. Even though there is a budget efficiency policy, our commitment remains strong in facing challenges in the water sector," he said.

In addition, Diana also appreciated the implementation of the 11th High Level Meeting (HLM) at the Ministry of Public Works which had taken place yesterday. The forum is an important forum for policy exchange and infrastructure technology, including reclaimed asphalt technology, robotic technology and flood risk mitigation in the Capital City of the Archipelago (IKN).

"I congratulate and success. I heard that this forum is very useful for exchanging information and technology in the infrastructure sector. I encourage all levels at the Ministry of Public Works to learn information and technology approaches in infrastructure development," he said.

On the occasion, Diana also said there were 10 projects sourced from a $1.65 billion Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) loan in irrigation, rivers and beaches as well as roads and the sanitation sector.

Meanwhile, the pipeline project is being reviewed by Bappenas to ensure its suitability with national priorities.

According to Diana, there are four loan projects that will be financed by JICA, namely the technical preparation for the increase in the Sutami Dam at the Brantas watershed of US$21.1 million, the Volcanic Disaster Risk Reduction Sector Loan 174 million US dollars, the preparation of the Technical Integrated Urban Flood Management Project in Jabodetabek US$95.32 million and the technical preparation of the development of the Padang Pekanbaru Toll Road Phase 1 and 2 amounting to 64.9 million US dollars.

"I hope that we can continue to establish co-operation with Japan and the infrastructure that is built really provides real benefits for the community," he said.

Meanwhile, Japan's Vice Minister for Engineering Affairs, Ministry of Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) Masayoshi Huse hopes that the meeting can strengthen cooperation in infrastructure between Indonesia and Japan.

He also expressed hope for sustainable cooperation in the field of asphalt recycling technology. "We hope that recycled asphalt technology can be utilized immediately. We are ready to actively support and we hope that the Deputy Minister can encourage the implementation of this technology," he concluded.