"Indonesia needs more activities to develop, so faster feet, that is, faster transportation, are necessary. Korea will provide faster feet to the Indonesian people."
Won Hee-ryong, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (center), is interviewing with reporters after test riding the Jakarta Light Rail Transit (Phase 1A) on the 17th with Heru Budi Hartono, Acting Governor of Jakarta, Indonesia (left). / Photo by Noh Kyung-jo
On the 17th, Minister Won Hee-ryong met with Budi Karya Sumadi, Minister of Transportation of Indonesia, in Jakarta, Indonesia, to support the participation of Korean companies in local urban railway projects such as the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT).
They also discussed diversifying routes and increasing the existing supply capacity (23 times per week) to revitalize human and material exchanges between the two countries. The two countries agreed to hold an aviation meeting in June.
Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said, "We are well aware of the excellence of Korean companies that successfully completed the Jakarta LRT Phase 1A," and added, "I hope infrastructure cooperation between the two countries will deepen further."
Minister Won also rode the LRT (Phase 1A) together with Heru Budi Hartono, Governor of Jakarta, on the same day. This was to encourage Korean companies to actively participate in the extension route Phase 1B, scheduled for bidding in April. Phase 1A was successfully completed by the Korea Rail Network Authority, Samjin Elex, LG CNS, and Daea T&I.
Minister Won emphasized to the Governor of Jakarta, "Korea's abundant experience in metro construction and operation will greatly help Jakarta's urban railway construction," and requested, "Please pay attention and support so that Korean companies that successfully completed Indonesia's first LRT Phase 1A can also participate in Phase 1B."
He continued, "The two countries have been friends for 50 years. Korea highly appreciates Indonesia's passion and efforts toward development and will be a good partner," and added, "The One Team Korea bidding support group this time includes government agencies such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Rail Network Authority, large corporations like Samsung C&T and Hyundai Engineering & Construction, small and medium enterprises with technical skills, and even cultural companies."
Additionally, Minister Won discussed cooperation on the development of the new capital between the two countries with Bambang Susantono, Minister of the New Capital Authority. Various Korean companies in housing, construction, information technology (IT), smart city, mobility, and culture participated in this meeting.
Minister Won said, "This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and our cooperation is entering a new paradigm," and added, "I hope the new Indonesian capital will be developed more conveniently and safely, gifting a new life to the Indonesian people."
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