State-owned ferry operator PT ASDP of Batam has received a proposal from Malaysia for cross-border sea passage cooperation on the Batam-Johor Bahru route.
"It is true that we have received the proposal, but we need to conduct a preliminary study prior to accepting it," ASDP Batam General Manager Marsadik said in Batam, Riau Islands, on Tuesday.
The proposal was made by a representative of Johor Bahru who came to Roro Telaga Punggur Port on Sunday (April 2, 2023), he informed.
Marsadik said that the cross-border crossing from Indonesia to Malaysia has previously been carried out. He also added that it was a good business opportunity.
"It is not new to us. It is a positive thing to do as it will provide easiness for Malaysian tourists who wish to visit Indonesia considering the close distance between Batam and Malaysia," Marsadik said.
However, in order to open a cross-border route, a central-level study and coordination are required, especially regarding the sea transportation sector, he added.
"Opening a cross-border route is regulated by a separate set of provisions and we are now currently studying it," Marsadik said.
He informed that his company, as a regional branch of PT ASDP, wields no authority to accept or reject the proposal. He said that the central management of the company would be the one to take a call on it.
"Our part is only to absorb aspirations and to seize the business opportunity from Johor Bahru. The further decision will be made by the central management. We will wait for its direction," Marsadik added.
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Editor : Mahdani
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