During the meeting held on Sept 24 in Algier, the capital of Algeria, the two ministers discussed the progress in infrastructure cooperation being carried out.
In a press release received by Antara on Wednesday, Basuki conveyed his optimism that both countries have several opportunities in the infrastructure sector that would be mutually beneficial for both sides.
The two governments agreed to enhance cooperation through the signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MoU), with the additional scope of technical cooperation in the development of earthquake-resistant houses.
Both governments also explored the potential involvement of Indonesian state-owned construction companies in other infrastructure projects in Algeria, especially PT Wijaya Karya (Wika), which is believed to have pioneered the export of construction services in Algeria.
As the national construction services supervisor, Minister Basuki will continue to encourage SOEs, contractors, and national operators to be able to improve quality in order to boost competitiveness at the global stage and be able to meet international standards, so as to increase national construction services exports.
After the meeting, Basuki undertook a field visit to the PT Wika project site of the construction of 1,700 logement units or flats in Baraki and El Harrach, Alger Province.
During this field visit, the minister remarked that Wika had shown good work and was expected to continue to do so.
"It is a matter of pride for our ministry to witness the progress made by PT Wijaya Karya in Algeria. PT Wika serves as a reference for infrastructure development in this country. For technical work, the quality of their work should not be doubted," Basuki noted.
Four housing construction projects are being undertaken by PT Wika in Algeria, with a total value of Rp2.1 trillion (US$140.8 million), and involving 480 workers.
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Reporting by M. Razi Rahman
Editing by Yashinta
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Yosep Hariyadi
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
