Jakarta, Aug. 23 -- Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono on Saturday brushed aside a proposal to create smoker-only cars on long-distance trains, saying the government's priority is improving nationwide connectivity.

"There are far more important matters for me to respond to. What's clear is that connectivity must be strengthened between regions through multimodal transport on land, sea, air and rail," he said.

The government's transportation roadmap must deliver faster, more affordable, and inclusive mobility for people, goods, and services. Broader access to reliable transport should boost productivity and spur economic growth across the country, Yudhoyono said.

Yudhoyono also hig...