Gov’t Launches Phase I of Patimban Port

President Jokowi accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung on the Soft Launching and Initial Operation of Patimban International Port, virtually from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java province, Sunday (20/12). (Photo: Screenshot of the Presidential Secretariat YouTube)

The Government has completed one of the National Strategic Projects (PSN), namely the construction of the first phase of the Patimban International Port.

“This project plays an important and strategic role to improve the economy in West Java province and the national level,” President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said during the soft launching and initial operation of the Patimban International Port, Sunday (20/12), virtually from Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java province.

The President also told related officials to make the most of the port to stimulate the economy and improve people’s welfare.

“I am asking Ministers, Governors, Regents, Mayors and related officials to collaborate with MSME business actors, cooperatives and private companies to maximize the infrastructure that the Government has built to stimulate the economy and improve the welfare of our people,” he said.

The President went on to say that the Patimban Port also serves to support the Jakarta’s Tanjung Priok Port which is currently overloaded and has caused traffic congestion on the Bekasi-Jakarta national road.

“With its strategic location between Kertajati Airport and industrial estates in Bekasi, Karawang and Purwakarta, I believe the existence of the Patimban Port will be a key link between regions, such as the manufacturing, tourism and agricultural centers, as well as supporting the acceleration of exports,” he added.

The President explained that the phase I port is ready to serve 3.75 million TEUs of containers and has a car terminal with a capacity of 218,000 CBU (completely build up) cars.

The President also expressed belief that the port will increase Indonesia’s automotive exports to the global market.

In addition, he expressed hope that the Patimban Port will also be used to support the export of Indonesian products so that it could drive the economy, be it in the MSMEs, agriculture, creative industries, and other sectors.

“The operation of this port must be supported with industrial development and the local economy, accelerate the growth of new economic centers and provide speedy services in the logistics sector, and make our export products more efficient and more competitive in the global market,” he said. (FID/UN) (EST/EP)