U.S. gives grants for RI's compliance with APEC trade initiative

U.S. gives grants for RI's compliance with APEC trade initiative

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has awarded
US$845,000 in grants for two transportation security projects to
help Indonesia comply with the Secure Trade in Asia Pacific
Economic Cooperation (APEC), or STAR, initiative.

U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Ralph L. Boyce, on behalf of the
USTDA, said the grants were just part of a series of concrete
measures to be taken in aviation and maritime transportation to
achieve security goals identified by APEC leaders.

He said these goals included screening people and cargo for
security before transit, increasing en route security on ships
and airplanes, and enhancing security in airports and seaports,
all while increasing the flow and efficiency of trade.

Boyce, Indonesian Coordinating Minister for the Economy
Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, director general of sea communications
Tjuk Sukardiman and Batam Industrial Development Authority
chairman Ismet Abdullah signed the grant agreement on Friday.

The first grant of $555,000 will be used to provide technical
assistance for Indonesia's main port Tanjung Priok, to help
develop information technology (IT) infrastructure to integrate
and coordinate government IT functions, including customs and
immigration.

The project will also help the port target high-risk shipments
and deter maritime piracy through electronic customs data
reporting.

The second grant, totaling $290,000, will fund technical
assistance to support a comprehensive security assessment of the
Hang Nadim International Airport in Batam.

A USTDA-funded consultant will identify the airport's security
weaknesses and help to develop an overall security plan,
including recommendations for personnel training, security
equipment and procedures.