Medan, N Sumatra, Dec 9 (Antara) - The development of Kuala Tanjung port in Batubara District, North Sumatra, has attracted the attention of foreign countries such as Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States, according to Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi.
"It is the pride of the region because foreign countries are now interested in the development of Kuala Tanjung port, which is envisioned as the economic hub of North Sumatra," Sumadi remarked here on Thursday night.
He stated that Japan`s Deputy Transport Minister Hiroshi Tabata had recently visited the office of port management company Pelindo-I to obtain further information on the construction of Kuala Tanjung port.
The minister reiterated that other countries showing interest in the development were the Netherlands and the United States.
"We hope other developed countries will cooperate with Pelindo-I to promote the Kuala Tanjung port around the world," the transport minister said.
State-owned port operator Pelindo I will modernize and expand the port of Kuala Tanjung in North Sumatra to accommodate large vessels.
The port was originally built to serve the logistical needs of PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminum (Inalum).
The port is strategically located to facilitate shipping in the busy commercial lane of the Malacca Strait.
It could serve as a port of call mainly for cargo ships. So far, large ships passing through the Malacca Strait called only at Singapore and Malaysian ports.
The Kuala Tanjung port will contribute to the government program aimed at making the country part of the world maritime axis.
The port has the potential to become an international one as it has a deep basin and is linked to a growing industrial zone in the city.
PT Pelindo-I hopes to play a greater role in facilitating shipping in the Malacca Strait for this reason.
Development of the port would contribute to the economic development of North Sumatra, especially in the district of Batubara.
In addition, the expansion and modernization of the port would facilitate shipments of industrial products from the region and export commodities from the Sei Mangke Economic Zone (KEK) in the district of Simalungun.
