Mayor Amsakar hosts SECO Switzerland to discuss mass transit, infrastructure, and education partnerships

Batam is one step closer to achieving its sustainable transport ambitions after hosting Swiss officials on April 21, during which discussions focused on strengthening ties through the INDOBUS program and exploring broader cooperation in infrastructure and education.

Swiss Delegation Receives Warm Welcome

Batam Mayor Amsakar Achmad met with representatives from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) at the Batam City Hall, where he reaffirmed the city’s commitment to building inclusive and sustainable infrastructure. The visit was part of an ongoing partnership involving the INDOBUS project and preparatory discussions for the IDSUN Phase 2 program.

INDOBUS at the Center of Dialogue

The INDOBUS initiative, backed by SECO in collaboration with partners such as GIZ and the World Bank, has been instrumental in planning Batam’s urban mass transport system. Amsakar emphasized the program’s relevance given Batam’s rapid population growth and stressed that efficient public transport was no longer optional. “INDOBUS presents a real solution we fully support,” he said.

Focus Areas: Welfare, Finance, Infrastructure

During the session, both sides outlined three pillars of cooperation: improving public welfare, enhancing public finance systems, and developing long-term, sustainable infrastructure. According to Amsakar, these goals are aligned with Batam’s strategic priorities in accommodating growth while remaining attractive to investors.

As both the Mayor and head of BP Batam, Amsakar noted the city’s dual responsibility to manage urban expansion and investor trust. He expressed appreciation for SECO’s ongoing support, adding that mutual understanding between Batam and its global partners plays a crucial role in delivering innovative development models.

Apart from infrastructure, the Batam government is also eyeing collaboration in education and skills development. Proposals included scholarship programs, technical training, and international internship opportunities—efforts aimed at building a competitive local workforce in line with future urban demands.

In attendance were key SECO figures such as Martin Neussel, Programme Manager for Infrastructure Financing, and Violette Ruppanner, Head of Economic Cooperation at the Swiss Embassy in Indonesia. The delegation also included representatives from GIZ and the World Bank, underscoring the multi-agency scope of the discussions.

Amsakar concluded the meeting by inviting further input from Swiss partners to enhance planning and implementation. “We are open to all constructive feedback to enrich our development roadmap,” he said. The visit marks a meaningful step toward deepening Batam’s integration with international development networks.

The Batam-Swiss partnership reflects a growing global interest in supporting Southeast Asian cities facing rapid growth. As Batam explores solutions for transportation, infrastructure, and workforce development, collaboration with institutions like SECO offers a model for forward-thinking, cross-border urban planning.

Sources: Tribun News (2025), Alur News (2025)

Keywords: Batam Swiss Partnership, Amsakar Achmad Meeting, INDOBUS Mass Transport, Sustainable Infrastructure, SECO Visit Indonesia