DILI, 30 March 2023 (TATOLI) — President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta appreciated the effort of the Timorese women entrepreneurs Association (AMETL) for the procurement of BABADOK express buses, aiming to boost the country’s economic development.
Timorese President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta said it is a great effort to boost economic development with the procurement of the modern Babadok Express buses that will be traveling across the board between two countries Timor-Leste and Indonesia.
“I am always prioritizing women empowerment programs to support country economy development, as today we launch the first operational on Babadok Express to support transporting passengers from Timor-Leste to Kupan and Kupan coming back to Timor-Leste,’’ The President of Republic, José Ramos Horta said on his remarks, at Dili Commercial Center, Caicoli, this thursday.
He added its first operation for the Dili (Timor-Leste) and Kupan (Indonesia) routes. These regular routes can intensify economic diversification between the two countries.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Octo Dorinus Manik said on this first launching of interconnected buses can support both countries and get the best possible benefit.
“It is a great essential point on the economy and social culture for the development of both countries. I wish the best and success for Babadok Express and Damri Busses to provide the best service for the passengers between the two countries,’’ He said
The Chairperson of AEMTL (Timor-Leste Women Entrepreneurs Association), Herguilina Alves said AEMTL and the Ministry of Transport and Communication (MTC) have gone through many discussions until they finally chose the parking places for these buses.
“Temporarily Timor-Leste does not have a terminal, however, we have decided that the buses will be temporarily parking in the CCITL office in ACAIT and also in front of the MoTC office while the passengers will be drooped out in Timor-Plaza,’’ She said
She explained that AEMTL itself would not take part in leasing the premises at Timor Plaza because according to the existing agreement between the two Governments of Indonesia and Timor-Leste, these facilities are the full responsibility of the Government.
The head of AEMTL emphasized that since last year AEMTL had prepared various things, starting from the procurement of buses, and the recruitment of bus drivers, to the administrative process which took a long time.
AEMTL currently has two Babadok Express, each bus has been prepared by two drivers who are trained and have experience in driving transportation such as frontons and others, and trials have even been carried out from Dili to Mandoki (Bobonaro).
The promotion prices are offered at $50 for two days, this price just valid for 4 days from 30 March to 4 April. However, the fixed price for one way from Dili To Kupang or Kupang to Dili is $40 = Rp. 350,000 to Rp. 375,000.
The President of the Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-TL), Jorge Serano appreciated the effort and requested that AEMTL members be as solid as possible so that this business can survive and prove that women can contribute to the country’s economy.
It is known that Babadok Express was procured by 23 members of the Timor-Leste Women Entrepreneurs Association with a total budget worth $360,000.
The Babadok bus can accommodate up to 32 passengers and has European standard facilities where this cross-border transportation provides services such as toilets, free WiFi, a charging station, a footrest, two pieces of luggage (top and bottom), a coffee maker, a coolbox, and full air conditioning.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B.
