DILI, 11 october 2022 ( TATOLI)-The secretary of the Directorate General of Land Transportation of Indonesia has conducted the operational trial of inter-border buses operated by DAMRI for the Kupang-Dili route on monday 10/10/2022 to begin the official operation in november 2022.
In a statement seen by Tatoli, highlighted that the operational trial was conducted based on the agreement signed between the Ministry of Transportation and Communication of Timor-Leste and the Ministry of Transportation of Indonesia on july 19, 2022.
Prior to the Operational trial, Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation conducted the preparation of standard operating procedures (SOP) for the transboundary movement of commercial buses has been carried out and will be used as a guide in the implementation of the MoU between the two countries.
“Today we just follow up on the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo ‘s orientation about the process of implementation of Cross- Border Transportation (CBT), which had been signed by the Ministry of Transportation of Indonesia and the Ministry of Transportation and Communication of Timor – Leste besides also we discussed the details the procedure of SOP which already agreed by both parties, ” The Secretary of the Directorate General of Land Transportation, of Indonesia, Amirulloh said in a statement.
The presence of Cross-Border Transportation (CBT) from the territory of Indonesia, specially Kupang, NTT to Dili is part of the cooperation between Indonesia and Timor Leste in the field of transportation.
Previously at the SOP discussion, Amirulloh said the trial will be conducted by both sides to decide the place where the passengers will rest: “This is very important because the distance is quite far, over 9 hours, where according to the rules if you have driven over 4 hours, the driver must rest and/or the operator must provide a backup driver. Later we will see which points can be provided for resting places,” explained Amirulloh.
According to Amirulloh, both sides should accelerate the presence of the CBT to Bring emotional closeness and historical value to bilateral relations between Indonesia and Timor Leste.
“Timor Leste stated that in November 2022 the bus fleet will come to Timor Leste and we are trying to allow this cross-border transportation to operate. With this operational service, the relationship between the two countries will be better and our community, will have a good relationship including the relationship of the family will be ensured by the movement of CBT’s s operation, “said Amirulloh.
Amirulloh added that the CBN that will operate has agreed to have a minimum service standard.
“The accessibility of this transportation will support the mobility of the Indonesian people who wish to travel to Timor-Leste and to support people, in Kupang in particular,” he concluded.
Journalist: Camilo de Sousa
Editor: Nelia B
