"Regarding budgeting, it must be calculated carefully. It is not cheap. The total could be Rp1.5 trillion, and every rupiah of people's money must be accounted for as effectively as possible," the minister remarked on Sunday (Dec 29).
He noted that public demand for sea transportation services increases each year, especially for passengers and cargo, during peak periods such as the Christmas and New Year holidays, and Eid al-Fitr.
AHY also stated that he would need to assess the availability of the State Budget to support the rejuvenation and procurement of new ships.
The minister highlighted that Indonesia currently has 82 transport ships: 50 owned by the Ministry of Transportation and 32 operated by the state-owned shipping company PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Pelni).
Given that the rejuvenation and procurement of new ships are tied to the State Budget, AHY emphasized the need for political support from the House of Representatives (DPR).
"Budget allocation is inseparable from the political process between the government and parliament," he explained.
To reduce reliance on the State Budget and ease financial burdens, AHY mentioned that he is exploring credible financing alternatives to meet the needs.
"For the rejuvenation and procurement of ships, we are also discussing viable payment schemes,” he added.
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Translator: Uyu Septiyati Liman, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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