Palembang (ANTARA) - Solid cross-sectoral collaboration between the central and regional governments is key for the revival of the transportation sector to support economic growth following the COVID-19 pandemic, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has said.

"The revival was obtained referring to the calculation results of Statistics Indonesia (BPS)," he informed in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Saturday.

BPS data has shown that the percentage of people using national transportation reached 21.7 percent in the second quarter of this year, he noted.

"According to BPS data, the transportation sector contributed positively to the achievement of national economic growth, which is 5.44 percent at this time," he highlighted during the 51st national transportation anniversary commemoration at Fort Kuto Besak Court, Palembang.

In fact, the government has taken back the management of the air space over Riau and Natuna Islands, spanning 230 thousand kilometers in area, which was previously managed by neighboring countries, Sumadi pointed out.

"The existence of a solid collaboration is the key to the revival of these achievements. Amid the various challenges that we are facing in the transportation sector, we must contribute to the growth of this country," the minister emphasized.

Sumadi said he hopes that all parties can stay focused on achieving the goal. In addition, there are other transportation sector development programs that must be implemented so that the sector can continue to contribute to national economic growth, such as the transportation mode integration program in Palembang, which is currently becoming one of the focuses of national development.

Palembang is also prepared to become a national pilot city for integrated mass transportation, he added.

After the completion of infrastructure for urban transportation modes such as light trains (LRT), BRT feeder buses, and feeder city transportation, the ministry is also planning to finish the construction of Tanjung Carat Port in South Sumatra.

"Synergy between stakeholders in the transportation sector is an important capital to realize all these programs," Sumadi said.

Meanwhile, South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru said the South Sumatra provincial government is committed to working together to realize all development programs in the transportation sector in the area.

All the development programs are being carried out to improve services to the community and bring a positive impact on regional economic growth, Deru added.

"After the completion of urban transportation, the Transportation Ministry plans to develop the Tanjung Carat Port. This is a good momentum for our region," he said.

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Translator: Muhammad Riezko B E, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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