While accompanying the emperor during his visit to the Jakarta MRT depot in Jakarta on Sunday, Hartono also expressed his gratitude for Naruhito's willingness to observe the fruits of Indonesia-Japan cooperation in the transportation sector.
"We thank Emperor Naruhito for his visit to Indonesia and for personally visiting the Jakarta MRT depot, which was the first. It is an honor for us, and we hope the synergy between us will be stronger," he noted, as per the press statement.
During the visit, the emperor observed Jakarta MRT's Operation Control Centre (OCC), the inspection shed, and the workshop where heavy and light maintenance works were conducted.
Naruhito also spent time conversing with a female train operator on board the MRT carriage, also known as Ratangga, an Old Javanese word for chariot.
The emperor was accompanied by Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Heri Akhmadi, as well as chief officers of PT MRT Jakarta, including President Commissioner Dodik Wijanarko, President Director Tuhiyat, and Director of Operations and Maintenance Muhammad Effendi.
Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Kanasugi Kenji stated that the emperor was impressed by the cooperation and synergy between both nations during his visit.
"The visit of His Majesty, the Emperor, to the MRT Jakarta is a symbol of cooperation between Japan and Indonesia. His Majesty is impressed with the cooperation and synergy established," he stated.
Moreover, Tuhiyat said that the visit enhances years of friendship between the two countries, especially when MRT Jakarta is developing the second subway phase to complement the first phase developed with the Japanese government's assistance.
"We hope this positive concern will strengthen and motivate us and other parties to complete the second and future planned phases," he stated.
In addition to the development budget, he highlighted that Japan also provided the transfer of technology and skills that became the new standard for Indonesia's automatic railway industry.
Related news: Naruhito Emperor's visit boosts friendship: President Jokowi
Related news: President Jokowi receives Japan's Emperor Naruhito at Bogor Palace
Translator: Syaiful Hakim, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
