Surabaya. East Java Provincial Government is currently exploring potential collaboration with the Japanese Government for a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project.

"We are currently exploring collaboration for MRT in East Java, just like Jakarta's MRT, which also partnered with Japan for its construction," said the Acting Governor of East Java, Adhy Karyono, on Thursday.

According to Adhy, Japan has been investing in East Java since 2010-2023, with 23 business sectors spread across 15 regencies/cities in East Java, amounting to a total investment of US$ 4.76 billion (Rp 74.19 trillion). The largest investment is recorded in the sectors of the basic metal industry, non-machinery metal goods, and their equipment.

Furthermore, Adhy Karyono revealed that his administration intends to study disaster management in Tokyo and Osaka.

"We also aim to develop the creative industry in the fields of filmmaking and animation, which will later be connected to the Singhasari Special Economic Zone (KEK Singhasari) in Malang," he added.

Japan has been the number one destination for exports from East Java since 2019. Although briefly dropping to the second position in 2022, it regained its status as the top destination for East Java's exports in 2023.

"The trade balance between East Java and Japan in 2023 resulted in a surplus of US$ 1.39 billion for East Java," stated Adhy.