REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - President-elect Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has agreed to plans of merging state-owned port operating companies PT Pelindo I, II, III and IV into "Perusahaan Pelabuhan Indonesia," the President Director of PT Pelindo II, RJ Lino, said.

"Jokowi responded very positively (to the plan) because it (the merger) will support his sea toll program," Lino stated on Thursday.

The president director noted that to proceed with the idea, it was not necessary to take into account the views of the board members of Pelindo I, II, III and IV.

"This is a state obligation that must be taken forward. If we ask for their opinion, they will all reject it," he remarked.

Lino further revealed that the president directors of Pelindo I-IV had already made an agreement regarding the merger in Makassar in 2013. Moreover, he also stated that he had explained to Jokowi how the merger would bring in up to 7 billion USD.

"I told him we could raise funds of up to seven billion US dollars if Pelindo I-IV are merged, without requiring any government assistance," he said.

Lino, who was appointed by State Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan to lead the process of the merger, affirmed that the government funds that had been allocated for Pelindo could be used for other projects. He said that the funds could be used to develop new ports, and some 20 to 25 old ones could be improved and brought at par with those in other ASEAN regions.

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