Indonesian Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) and Ad Interim Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Erick Thohir said he would leave for China in the near future.
One of the important points to be discussed with the Chinese side is to include the Indonesian Railroad Industry PT INKA as part of the Bandung – Surabaya Fast Train Project.
According to Erick, currently, INKA can build LRT, with various public inputs at first.
In addition, Erick emphasized the need for additional Domestic Component Level (TKDN) in the Bandung – Surabaya fast train project. So that INKA’s involvement is in line.
“That’s why in order to increase TKDN, we are cooperating with INKA so that for the fast train in the future we can build together,” said Erick.
As for the cooperation with China, according to Erick, it is because not all countries are able to make fast trains so they can shoot 350 kilometers (km) per hour. Other countries can only do 280 km per hour.
“But we maintain the safety element. Moreover, with fast trains, the technology is even higher. Just imagine 350 km/hour if in other countries 280 km/hour,” he said.
Furthermore, Erick added that the meeting with China also wanted to discuss improving the structure of cooperation. This includes ownership issues to interest rates.
“If we want to become a developed country, the infrastructure must be built, whether toll roads, railways, airports or ports,” he said.
He added, “In China, one of them is (discussing) the continuation of the Fast train from Bandung to Surabaya,” said Erick.
