"As governor, I am really happy for the steps taken by the governments of both countries," he stated during the launch event of the Kupang-Dili ALBN at the Bimoku Type A Passenger Terminal in Kupang City, Thursday.
The ALBN on the Kupang-Dili route will begin to operate on April 30, with five buses provided by both state-owned public transit bus company Perum Damri and private transportation companies. Meanwhile, Timor-Leste will provide two buses.
The bus service is part of the implementation of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Cross-Border Movement of Commercials Buses and Coaches Between Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
Laiskodat said that the launch of the interstate land connectivity service provides an important momentum for future development in NTT.
"This momentum, despite its simplicity, presents a path to success. Every success story needs to be started with a bold move," he affirmed.
He further stated that the realization of the Kupang-Dili ALBN was a bold move from the governments of Indonesia and Timor-Leste to do the necessary to preserve the countries' future.
The governor expected the bilateral cooperation to continue to intensify in order to achieve mutual welfare.
A representative of the Ministry of Transportation Hendro Sugiatno and representative of the Ministry of Transportation and Communication of Timor-Leste Constantino Ferreira Suarez directly partook in the launch event.
In addition to the ministries' representatives, the event was attended by the heads of regions throughout Timor Island and the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda).
Meanwhile, President of Timor-Leste Jose Manuel Ramos-Horta attended the event virtually from Dili.
Related news: Indonesian Police strengthens cooperation with Timor-Leste Police
Related news: Indonesia readies road map for Timor Leste's full ASEAN membership
Translator: Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
