The new port sent shipment of 140 cars of various trademarks such as Toyota, Daihatsu, and Suzuki by MV Suzuka Express.
"In the midst of this pandemic, we have completed one of the national strategic projects, namely the construction of Patimban Port. , Alhamdulillah (Thank Allah). This project has an important and strategic role both in efforts to improve the economy of West Java and the nation in general," Jokowi said.
The existence of the new main port will play an important role for economic growth and trade in West Java Province, according to him.
Patimban Port is situated at a strategic location, which is between Kertajati Airport and industrial zones in Bekasi, Karawang and Purwakarta.
Hence, the port is expected to help link manufacturing industry, tourism, and agricultural regions and support the acceleration of exports.
"This port also serves to support Tanjung Priok Port, which is currently overcrowded and has caused congestion on Bekasi-Jakarta and Jakarta-Bekasi roads," the President added.
Patimban Port covers a total area of 654 hectares, including 300 hectares allocated for containers and vehicle terminals. The port's capacity is expected to increase to 7.5 million TEUs by 2027.
In November 2019, President Joko Widodo reviewed the development of Patimban Port project worth Rp. 29 trillion to Rp. 50 trillion.
Jokowi is upbeat that Patimban Port to become a major hub for national automotive exports.
In the first phase of development, Patimban Port has been equipped with a 35 hectare container terminal and a 25 hectare vehicle terminal with a capacity of 218,000 CBU which will increase to 600,000 CBU by 2027, when the port development is expected to be fully completed.
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Translator: Desca L Natalia, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
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