AMBASSADOR'S COURTESY CALL ON NEW MINISTER OF

UNCLAS JAKARTA 001833 SIPDIS DEPT FOR E, EAP/MTS, EB/TRA, EEB/IFD/ODF, EEB/TRA, EEB/CBA SINGAPORE PASS TO FAA MARY WALSH, TSA THOMAS KEENE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR ECON PREL ID SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S COURTESY CALL ON NEW MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION FREDDY NUMBERI REF: A. JAKARTA 1227 ¶B. JAKARTA 1619 ¶1. On November 3, Ambassador Hume and newly-appointed Minister of Transportation Freddy Numberi discussed Indonesia's desire to improve railroad and aviation infrastructure and possibilities for expanding mutual cooperation in those strategic areas. Numberi, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries during President Yudhoyono's first term, welcomed deepening U.S.- Indonesia bilateral relations. ¶2. Minister Numberi highlighted the railway system as a key area for investment and improvement during President Yudhoyono's second term, and referenced the GoI's positive experiences with General Electric (GE)(Ref A). The Ambassador told Numberi he has encouraged GE to take a long-range view of Indonesia, and to seek more opportunities to invest and develop capacity here. Numberi was especially interested in obtaining technical assistance on urban planning issues, including public transportation, road load, and construction of ring roads. He said a big picture strategy would be very helpful, if GE could provide such a plan. ¶3. The Ambassador noted the recent helicopter deal between Bell and an Indonesian state-owned enterprise, which incorporates in-country fabrication. He stressed that Indonesia has an enormous demand for all types of aircraft and could work towards developing local production capacity to meet those needs. Numberi was aware of Boeing's strong position in the Indonesian market, counting both Garuda and Lion Air as major clients. The Ambassador emphasized support for helping Indonesia regain Federal Aviation Authority Category-1 status to resume flights to the U.S.(Ref B). He noted that a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) technical assistance visit is planned for January 2010. Numberi hopes to travel to the U.S. next year, something he did not have a chance to do in his previous Ministerial capacity. HUME