A Lion Air Boeing 737-900 parked at Denpasar airport in Bali. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE

Lion Air wants to start flights from Pakistan: Indonesian ambassador

Iwan S Amri says negotiations with the aviation officials are already underway


News Desk July 08, 2020

Ambassador of Indonesia Iwan S Amri on Wednesday said that the country's airline Lion Air wanted to start flights from Pakistan and "negotiations with aviation officials are already underway".

"Lion Air wants to start from three cities of Pakistan. The plan is still on the table. Let us hope that negotiations between the Lion Air officials and Pakistani aviation officials make some early headway," he said during a webinar with leading Pakistani journalists.

The Indonesian embassy held a media webinar inviting leading journalist of the country to express their views about bilateral relations between the two countries and as to how this relationship can further be strengthened.

Ambassador Amri said that it was a unique interaction between the Indonesia embassy and the media fraternity on the issue of Covid-19 and assured to continue such interactions.

He said that Covid-19 continues to play havoc with human lives and global economies, nevertheless, simultaneously the damage control efforts are also in full swing to minimise the devastating socio-economic impacts of the pandemic.

"To contain and fight off the financial downturn the friendly nations through consultations are identifying ways for mutual cooperation for the enhanced sustainable economic activities between them."

The envoy said that the Indonesian embassy highly valued warm ties with the friends in Pakistani media and acknowledged the role they have been playing in promoting the goodwill between the people of the two countries. "Therefore, the prime objective of this meeting is to maintain cordial relations and to discuss in a light manner the Covid-19 pandemic socioeconomic impacts on the society."

The ambassador went on to say that the Indonesian embassy in Islamabad had also organised a virtual meeting with the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) which is headquartered in Karachi. "It represents the country’s leading corporate and business groups and as an advocacy forum work to improve the general business environment of the country. Through its research projects, it also provides valuable input to the government of Pakistan for bilateral agreements such as the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and other countries."

During the course of discussion with the PBC, he had highlighted the current issues concerning the bilateral economic cooperation between the countries and stressed on the significance of fostering sustainable bilateral trade relations.

“Indonesia and Pakistan must work together for the sustainable trade relations between them,” ambassador Amri said.

According to the envoy, the concerted communication and consultations with the various stakeholders in Pakistan will certainly build greater confidence and improve the environment for both countries to uplift business, economic and other aspects of the bilateral ties.

“We would like to encourage and elevate bilateral trade and overall economic cooperation between the two countries that was sustainable, equitable and mutually beneficial corresponding to their respective supply and demand potential.”

To a question about the possibility of air links, the ambassador said they do not have any aviation contract with PIA. However, Lion Air of Indonesia wanted to start flights from Pakistan and negations with the aviation officials are already underway.

Repatriation of citizens

To another query about the repatriation of Indonesian citizens, he said that the tracking and data collection process of the Indonesian citizens for their repatriation was a daunting task because of the reason that they were located in various cities and regions of Pakistan. "Especially those of Tablighi Jamat were hard to track and contact as they would move from a region to another for their Tablighi activities."

The envoy also said that limitations of movement resulting from the lockdown and physical distancing policies by the Pakistani authorities, the embassy adapted to the evolving situation and through innovative ways and tireless efforts managed to contact its nationals spread over different parts of the country.

While sharing some details, ambassador Amri said that as per our multiple pronged strategy, the embassy established intensive coordination with the Pakistani authorities, management of the Tableegh Markaz in Raiwind and Islamabad, IIUI management and the students, Markaz Jamat Tableegh back in Ancol, Indonesia, and the Pakistani friends to ensure that the repatriation was complete and successful. "At the end of the day, we all emerged successful and were able to repatriate over 180 people to Indonesia."

He also thanked the Pakistani government and PIA authorities for facilitating the repatriation.

He also talked about steps taken by the Pakistani government for the well being of the diplomatic community in Islamabad. He also cited a letter written by the dean of diplomatic corps to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanking it for ensuring the security of the diplomatic corps.

The ambassador also lauded efforts of Pakistan government for effectively dealing with the Covid-19 situation. He also mentioned the latest statement of the WHO chief in which is recognised efforts of Pakistan government in this regard.

Ambassador Amri praised government's Ehsas programme and the way poor people were helped. He lauded the efforts of the government in this regard. He also talked about CPEC project and termed it beneficial for the people of Pakistan and the region as well.

The ambassador praised various packages offered by the government of Pakistan for the people affected by Covid-19. He termed the government's decision to open the tourism sector a positive development.

Ambassador Amri said Indonesia will take part in upcoming virtual Rawal Expo expected to take place in August this year. Indonesia has regularly been taking part in Rawal Expo.

Talking about Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia, he said like other countries, his country has also suffered due to pandemic. However, he said, the number of cases in his country was lower as compared to many countries.

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