Indonesia to Join China`s Initiated Economic Pact

Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi

Jakarta, 13 Sha’ban 1438/10 May 017 (MINA) – Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said Indonesia will join China’s initiated economic cooperation pact “One Belt One Road” (OBOR)., Antara News reported.

“To be sure, we will join and take participation in it, as it will be difficult for us to raise fund out side the state budget for investment. Our budget fund would be enough to cover only 30 percent of the total fund requirement for our investment projects,” Budi Karya Sumadi said after the opening of the 2nd Ministerial Conference of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) on Blue Economy here on Wednesday.

President Joko Widodo is scheduled to attend the OBOR economic forum in Beijing, on 14 May 2017. The forum is expected to be attended by leaders of 138 countries.

Budi said Indonesia joining OBOR is naturally expected as currently China is the world largest investing country, while the country’s state budget could not finance its ambitious infrastructure projects.

“In my opinion it is something common if we enter an international system we could use for our benefit,” he said.

He said a team is preparing a proposal related to transport infrastructure to OBOR including railways, seaport and airports.

Other ministers may have their own proposals. The cabinet Ministers to accompany President Joko Widodo to attend the Beijing forum include Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, and Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)