VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said the Patimban Port in Subang District, West Java should be used to increase export of micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSME) products, as well as agricultural and other creative industry products, in addition to automotive.

"The Patimban Port must also boost export of other products to foment MSME's economy, agricultural sector, creative industry and other products, hence they can compete in global market," Jokowi said at the soft launching of the port held virtually from the Bogor Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java on Sunday.

The Patimban Port would have a large capacity for export of automotive products to support the performance of manufacturing industry, including automotive industry, in the neighboring districts of Bekasi, Karawang and Purwakarta.

However, the President hoped that the port would also boost export of other products.

Jokowi has instructed his aides and regional leaders to work jointly with the MSME, cooperative units and private sector to optimize utilization of infrastructure in Patimban Port.

The port should be linked with industries and economy in West Java to promote the growth of new economic centers.

"(Patimban) provides fast services in logistic and will make our export more efficient, more competitive in the global market," Jokowi added.

Patimban Port is situated between Kertajati Airport in West Java and industrial zones in Bekasi, Karawang and Purwakarta. The port is expected to support the overloaded Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta and reduced logistic transportation congestion that created heavy traffic jam at Jakarta-Bekasi road.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said Patimban Port operation would be synergized with the Tanjung Priok Port in line with to the president's direction, to increase the time efficiency and national logistical cost.

Sumadi said, the port has commenced operation with initial export of 140 units of cars to Brunei Darussalam aboard PT Toyofuji's Suzuka Express ship. (antaranews)