Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia During the Inspection of Presidential Instruction on the Regional Roads (IJD) at Agro Mulyo Village, Sepaku District, N. Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan Province, September 23, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Yes, looking at, checking the realization of the total budget for the entire country of Indonesia, which is Rp14.6 trillion, it was estimated that it could improve and build 2,800 kilometers of roads. These include provincial roads, but in terms of provincial roads, only about 400 meters have been completed, and the rest are regency/city roads, especially production roads in the districts. Many of these roads are used for palm oil transportation.

Journalist:

Sir, will these roads also serve as access to the IKN in the future?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Yes, these roads will also provide support to the IKN, and in addition to production roads, they will also connect to tourist destinations. At the end of these roads, there is Batu Tapak Raja Cave. So, when these roads are completed, it will become one of the tourist destinations.

Journalist:

When is the target completion date for these roads, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

These roads will be completed by the end of the year, by the end of this year. These regency roads, like the ones you see here, are actually needed because they have an economic impact as production roads for palm oil, rubber, and other commodities. Is that clear?

Journalist:

Sir, another issue is regarding the follow-up from the Ministry of Trade regarding Tiktok Shop, which until now is still unavailable, Sir. Meanwhile…

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Yes, that is currently being prepared. It involves multiple ministries, and it is being finalized at the Ministry of Trade because we know it affects MSMEs, small businesses, micro-enterprises, and also the market. In some markets, prices have already started to decrease due to the influx. It should be noted that this is a social media issue, not just an economic media issue, and it will be regulated.

Journalist:

Will it be more strictly regulated, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

That will be addressed soon, the regulatory framework is currently under the Ministry of Trade. The rest is already completed, it’s just waiting for the process at the Ministry of Trade. We’ll wait and see.

Journalist:

Thank you, Sir.

(AS/LW)