Accompanied By Rachmat Gobel And Several Ministry Of Transportation Staff, Budi Karya Visits Japan To Discuss The Completion Of Indonesian Transportation Projects

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Transportation (Menhub) Budi Karya Sumadi arrived in Japan, today Tuesday, June 21, to hold a meeting with a number of Japanese government officials (G to G) and the private sector (G to B) in order to accelerate the work and completion of a number of projects. transportation in Indonesia.

The Minister of Transportation said that Indonesia and Japan had a good relationship that lasted for more than 60 years.

"The two countries have agreed to continue to increase cooperation in various sectors, including transportation," said Minister of Transportation Budi Karya in a written statement, quoted from Antara.

Upon arrival in Japan, the Minister of Transportation was greeted by the Indonesian Ambassador in Tokyo, Heri Akhmadi. The Minister of Transportation will meet, among others, Special Advisor to Prime Minister Mori Masafumi, Minister of Transport of Japan Saito Tetsuo, and Governor of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) Maeda.

"We will also convey to the Japanese government to encourage their private corporations to participate in a number of transportation infrastructure projects in Indonesia," he said.

The three infrastructure development projects that are the focus of discussion are the North-South and East-West MRT projects, the Patimban Port Phase 1-2 (Packages 5 and 6), and the construction of the proving ground.

He said the development of transportation infrastructure must continue to facilitate inter-regional connectivity, create new economic points, and new civilizations.

"In the midst of fiscal constraints, we have to be more intensive in seeking creative funding outside the state budget that involves national and foreign private parties so that development can continue," said the Minister of Transportation.

Investments in collaboration with foreign parties such as Japan are expected not only to accelerate the physical development process, but also to have a multiplier effect, namely improving the quality of national human resources through technology transfer, creating wide employment opportunities, and realizing peace and stability in the regional and global regions.

On Wednesday, June 22, the Minister of Transportation is scheduled to continue the meeting with the President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Yamanaka Shinichi, former Japanese PM Fukuda, and President & CEO of Toyota Tsusho Corporation Kashitani.

Also attending the working visit to Japan were Deputy Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives for Coordination of Industry and Development Rachmat Gobel, Expert Staff of the Minister of Investment Yukki Nugrahawan, Director General of Railways Zulfikri, Main Expert Staff of the Minister of Transportation Budi Setiyadi, and Secretary General of Sea Transportation Arif Toha.