"The potential growth of the middle class in Indonesia is incredible. People who belong to the middle class will be the drivers and determinants of the type of efficient transportation that will benefit the public," the deputy minister said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The development of efficient transportation in Indonesia will be determined by the rising middle class, said the Deputy Minister for Transportation, Bambang Susantono, on Thursday.
"The potential growth of the middle class in Indonesia is incredible. People who belong to the middle class will be the drivers and determinants of the type of efficient transportation that will benefit the public," he said on Thursday.
Bambang said the number of passengers who use air transportation in Indonesia has increased over the years. Indonesia`s international airport has exceeded its capacity in the past few years.
Therefore, more airports will be built in various parts of Indonesia, including Pekanbaru, Tanjung Pinang, Jambi, Denpasar and Semarang.
"It is important to anticipate the demands of the middle class," he said.
Twelve airports will begin their operations in 2013 and another seven airports will begin their operations in 2014.
As many as 168 routes will be opened to ease the flow of traffic in Indonesia.
Previously, Bambang said US$202 billion will be required to develop transportation programmes under the Master Plan for the Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesia`s Economic Growth (MP3EI).
"The government will spend US$ 20 billion to develop the country`s infrastructure, transportation and energy sectors," said Bambang Susantono.
He said close to 35 percent of the investments will come from the private sector.
The government is keen on increasing the number of foreign investors so that the development of the transportation sector can proceed smoothly.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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