Domestic Connectivity Prioritized To Face AEC

Jakarta, Sept 11 (Antara) - Domestic connectivity has become a priority in order to face the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, stated Vice Minister of Transportation Bambang Susantono. "Domestic connectivity from Java to Sumatra must be better than the connectivity from Sumatra to Malaysia," he noted during the national seminar themed "National Logistics System Improvements for Improving the Competitiveness of Indonesia" organized by Antara, the Indonesian News Agency, here on Wednesday. Susantono explained that one of the ways to realize the AEC is through increasing connectivity among the ASEAN countries as outlined in the ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan (MPAC). The MPAC identifies key strategies and actions such as the plans to build Ro-Ro ferry networks, including the development of 42 main harbors in ASEAN, 12 of which will be located in Indonesia. Strong connectivity will help to improve Indonesia`s competitiveness in ASEAN, he noted. Transportation networks such as roads, railways, cruise lines, flights, and strait crossings will help to facilitate the movement of logistics and people across the country. "Connectivity should range within an island itself, inter-island and international. It should be aligned," he stated. Connectivity on an island should be supported through highways and railways. As an archipelago country, sea transportation plays an important role in strengthening domestic connectivity between the islands. The implementation of these strategies will help to shape a nautical freeway network that will become a key to ensuring logistics connectivity within Indonesia and the ASEAN nations.