Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after the Inspection of Road Reconstruction, in Central Lampung Regency, Lampung Province, October 27, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Today, I want to make sure that what I saw five months ago is already underway. It’s not 100 percent complete; it’s about 60 to 70 percent. Some are 70 percent, some are 60 percent. As we can see here in Rumbia, in the Central Lampung regency, it’s only about 60 percent completed. So, the budget of Rp800 billion was allocated for the improvement of 17 road sections here in Lampung province. This is also because the Governor of Lampung is really persistent in asking for [funding], so he got a lot, but I think the work on the ground is good.

Journalist:

How was it, Pak Jokowi? Did you fall asleep on your trip again? Was it a safe trip? Did you sleep well?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

The roads are smooth, so I could rest inside the car. It’s really smooth, very smooth. It’s using a 30 cm rigid pavement, which I believe will last for many, many years. We hope that with this kind of development, the people will no longer complain about damaged roads. This is collaboration between the Ministry of Public Works, the Central Government, and the province because it is allocated in the regional budget (APBD). I think this combination is good.

Journalist:

Since El Niño has officially begun, when will Margatiga Dam be operational to increase water capacity in Lampung, especially for agriculture in Lampung?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Yes, the sooner, the better. I’d like it to be completed next year, but there are some issues in the field that we need to resolve first.

Journalist:

Pak President, are you satisfied with this development?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Ask the people, not me. Ask the people if they are satisfied yet. Don’t ask me. I received complaints about the roads, then I issued an Inpres (presidential instruction). Now it’s underway, and we hope it will be completed by December, that’s what we hope for. Thank you.

(AS/RAS/MMB)