Introductory Remarks of President Joko Widodo at the Limited Cabinet Meeting on the Development of Patimban Seaport, on 2 May 2016 at the Presidential Office, Jakarta

Unofficial English Translation

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Assalamu’alaikum warrahmatullahi wabarakaatuh,

Although we have been focused on building seaports outside Java, especially in Eastern Indonesia, so far, it does not mean that seaports are not needed in Java.

In fact, we need to build an alternative seaport because existing seaports such as Tanjung Priok seaport, Tanjung Emas seaport, and Tanjung Perak seaport in Surabaya are already crowded.

We need a big seaport in the northern coastal area of West Java to improve efficiency of logistics transportation. The seaport is expected to have the capacity of around 7.5 millions of TEUs in 2037s.

We are hoping that with this new seaport, distribution channels and traffic can be cut so we do not have to pass roads that takes much time to reach Jakarta, Semarang or Surabaya.

Initially, we planned to build a seaport in Cilamaya. However, because the development of a seaport there could disrupt oil and gas infrastructures and others, we decided to find an alternative location outside Cilamaya and have finally found a location in Patimban, Subang Regency, West Java. It is considered the most appropriate location.

However, before we make a decision (on the project), I would like to have an elaboration first on the worthiness of the development of a seaport in Patimban seen from technical aspect, legal aspect, funding scheme aspect, and other aspects.

Now I would like to invite Minister of Transportation or Coordinating Minister to give an explanation on the project.(Humas ) (EP/YM/Naster)