Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia prior to the Inspection of the Process of Repairing Kerkap – Tanjung Agung Pali Road Section in North Bengkulu Regency, Bengkulu Province, July 21, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It is all about the [improvement] of damaged road infrastructure, especially in Bengkulu province where 10 percent of national road still needs improvement. In addition, 40 percent of provincial road, regional roads also needs improvement. It is intervened by the Central Government through Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing with a budget allocation of Rp327 billion for eight road sections in the province. It is our hope that the budget allocation will be increased.

Earlier, the Regent, the Governor said that there are still roads that need improvement so that [the allocation] will be increased. The improvement in 32 provinces will also be carried out in the end of July.

Journalist
Mr. President, how can you make sure that all Presidential Instructions [related to road repair] in every regency can be done in a right manner?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Firsly, I am here to make sure that the project has kicked off. The control will be carried out by the Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP) so that we will know if the project has kicked off and how many sections have been built.

Journalist
Mr. President, does the Presidential Instructions [related to road repair] serve as a trigger for regional governments to build….

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Earlier, I have told the regents, mayors, and governors that the budget allocation should be focused, the work should be focused. For example, if the road infrastructure needs improvement and need to be prioritized, extra budget should be allocated for it in the first and second years to complete the road infrastructure development. In the third and fourth years, you can focus on other issues including the economy and arrangement of markets. In the fourth, fifth, sixth years, you can focus on education. We have to be wise in optimizing the limited budget.

Journalist
Is there any fear from regional governments to spend the budget, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

The duty of regional governments is to realize the budget. Why be afraid if you don’t corrupt anything? I used to be a mayor and a governor, as long as you don’t corrupt anything, there’s no need to fear. But once you corrupt something, it’s a problem.

(AP/MUR)