Semarang City Government-British Ambassador Expand Public Transportation Cooperation

SEMARANG - The Municipal Government of Semarang, Central Java, represented by Regional Secretary Iswar Aminuddin accepted a visit from the British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor Leste Owen Jenkins to discuss expanding cooperation, including low-carbon public transportation.

The meeting, which took place at the Semarang City Hall, Central Java, Tuesday, discussed the cooperation projects the two parties have implemented as well as potential plans for future cooperation projects.

"We are very interested that what was conveyed earlier requires broader cooperation in order to strengthen relations between the City of Semarang and the British Embassies in Indonesia and Timor Leste," said Iswar, as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, January 17.

Iswar admitted that one of the problems in Semarang City that was of concern at the meeting was the transportation sector, even though public transportation in Atlas City had shown progress.

He admitted that mass transportation in the city of Semarang has now shown a positive trend seen from the people who are starting to switch from using private vehicles to public transportation.

"However, when mass transportation increases, environmental problems arise. This is where the role of the British Embassy collaboration comes in, namely how we will reduce exhaust emissions through low carbon vehicles," said Iswar.

In 2022, the Government of Indonesia and the Government of the United Kingdom have agreed to collaborate on a low-carbon transportation development program in Indonesia, "Future Cities: UK-Indonesia Low Carbon Partnership".

Meanwhile, Ambassador Owen said the meeting discussed many cooperation opportunities that could be collaborated by the two parties, starting from the transportation, education, creative industries, to tourism sectors.

"We are focusing on cooperation in two sectors to support the Semarang City Government in complying with building a transportation system that can reduce pollution levels and encourage economic growth," he said.

The British government supports the Semarang City Government's plan to develop the city, because the more a city develops, the more it needs to improve and improve a sustainable public transportation system.

Owen said two works were already under way, namely repairing the connection between public transportation and regional centers in Semarang, especially in the Kota Lama area, being carried out by ARUP, a British company.

Then, a project by the British company Buro Happold regarding how to build a sustainable and TOD-based transportation system (transport oriented development) that is oriented towards public transportation facilities and infrastructure.

"So, not only building a link or connector, but this also enhances the development of the surrounding areas," said Owen.