FREDDY PROMISES TO CUT TRANSPORTATION ACCIDENT RATE

Jakarta, Oct 22 (ANTARA) - Newly appointed Transportation Minister Freddy Numberi promised to bring about changes in the transportation sector and reduce the number of transportation accidents at sea, on land and in the air.

Freddy Number who was the maritime affairs and fisheries minister in the previous United Indonesia Cabinet made the promises after having a group picture with other new ministers at the state palace here on Thursday.

"We have to bring changes to the transportation sector. Transportation accidents must be reduced, to zero if possible," he said without mentioning percentage of his target in cutting accidents.

Numberi was born on October 15, 1947 and a retired vice admiral. He was named Papua governor in 1998 after he retired from the military.

Previously, Nemberi said he had received directives from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono where he was expected to revitalize port and communications development.

He said that the president asked to increase the development in the transportation sector in the coming five years.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono installed 34 new ministers of his Second United Indonesia Cabinet for the 2009 - 2014 term of office at the State Palace on Thursday.

Also installed on the occasion were three state officials with ministerial rank. The inauguration ceremony which commenced at 2 pm local time, was also attended by Mrs Ani Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono and his wife Herawati.

Earlier, at 10 pm on Wednesday, the president, accompanied by Vice President Boediono, Sudi Silalahi and Presidential Spokesman Andi Mallarangeng, announced the lineup of the United Indonesia Cabinet for the next 2009 - 2014 term.***