Indonesia, Czech Republic discuss Digital Transportation Transformation Cooperation

Surabaya, The Gulf Observer: Acting East Java Governor Adhy Karyono welcomed Czech Ambassador to Indonesia, Jaroslav Dolecek, for a follow-up meeting to discuss potential cooperation in the digital transformation of the transportation sector. This meeting, held on Thursday in Surabaya City, marked Ambassador Dolecek’s second visit, the first being with Madam Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa on July 20, 2023.

In a statement to journalists after a closed-door meeting, Acting Governor Karyono revealed that Ambassador Dolecek brought a delegation from Skoda Group, a prominent Czech transportation company, to explore collaboration opportunities. The focus of the discussion was on advancing technology across various transportation modes in Surabaya and its vicinity, including the light rapid transit (LRT) train, mass rapid transit (MRT) train, and bus rapid transit (BRT).

Governor Karyono highlighted that a comprehensive master plan for the digital transformation of transportation had been formulated in collaboration with entities from Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Notably, a pilot project had already commenced with Germany, and Skoda Group expressed interest in participating by offering investment.

The acting governor shared that while the development of corridor 1 of LRT Surabaya was on schedule, the provincial government is considering utilizing Skoda Group’s technology for the development of corridor 2. However, he emphasized that the cooperation with Skoda Group is still in the exploration stage.

“We will coordinate with the Transportation Ministry, National Development Planning Agency, and Finance Ministry since we need funding from the central government,” Governor Karyono stated. He further assured that the provincial government would promptly decide on the cooperation offer from Skoda Group, with a decision expected as early as 2025 to initiate the collaboration swiftly.

The potential collaboration signifies a strategic step towards enhancing the digital infrastructure of East Java’s transportation network, positioning the region at the forefront of technological advancement in the sector.