By 2019, A Number of Infrastructures Facilities Ready to be Used

President Jokowi listens to Minister PUPR’s explanation about toll road construction in Bakauheni, Lampung, Sunday (21/11) (Photo: PR/ Oji)

In his remarks at the inauguration of the sections Bakauheni Port-Simpang Susun Bakauheni and Simpang Susun Lematang-Simpang Susun Kotabaru of Bakauheni-Terbanggi Besar toll road, in Lampung, Sunday (21/1), President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo affirms that infrastructure development is fundamental for Indonesia to be able to compete with other countries. Moreover, Indonesia’s infrastructure is still far behind its friendly countries.

The President reminds that it needs road and port facilities to transport good. Thus, it is difficult for Indonesia to compete with other countries if we are lack of these infrastructural facilities. “If our transportation and logistics costs are high, how can we maintain our competitive pricing?,” the President asks.<>

If goods delivery can be done faster, the cost will be cheaper and the price of the goods sold to the people can be also cheaper. Therefore, it is important to concentrate on infrastructure development.

The President admits that there are only few projects that have completed at the moment. Nevertheless, by the end of 2018 and 2019 there are a lot of infrastructure projects to be inaugurated and can be used.

On this inauguration, the President expresses his utmost appreciation to all regional heads, such as governors, regents, and mayors who have helped the government, in particular in the issue of land acquisition. He also thanks all State-Owned Enterprises for their cooperation in toll road construction.

“Though some people say that the profit is still small, the IRR is still small, I would like to say that this is an urgent need if we want to win the competition,” the President says.

Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Rini Soemarno, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Governor of Bank Indonesia Agus Martowardojo, and Governor of Lampung Ridho Ficardo join the President on that event. (DNS/ES) (MMB/YM/Naster)