President: Use Domestic Products in Development Project

President Joko Widodo gives directive at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), on Monday (29/2) morning

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo reminded ministries/institutions to prioritize local products in project implementation in their ministries/institutions. This statement was delivered by President Jokowi after witnessing the signing of 2016 Strategic Activities Contracts of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), at the Plaza of Ministry of ESDM, on Monday (29/2) morning.

“We must limit imported products. Once again, I do not want to hear many excuses to use local content,” President Jokowi said.

The President explained that so far many people have reported that they must use imported products in a project, for example pipes, because this product is not produced in Indonesia or it is more expensive to buy it in the country.

“I checked it and asked to mention the specs. The fact is we can find them in Indonesia. Even, there are many. I asked those who often use imported goods to be careful, because I will try to find out,” the President added.

Besides using local content, President Jokowi also reminded all to arrange the project to absorb many labors.

Lastly, the President asserted the importance to involve local contractors in the implementation of the project, in order to improve the economy in the projects’ surrounding areas.

“The money must stay at the regions so that regional economy could run. Once again, we must involve small contractors in the area,” the President said.

President Jokowi also instructed the Minister of ESDM and the regional heads which receive great benefits from the projects to always observe and monitor the implementation of the projects that has been signed.

“Once problems arise, make decision immediately, and fix it. Do not take much time to discuss, consult, and study. Make decision immediately. Observe the real situation and make decision,” the President firmly said.

The President also reminded that bureaucracy must be the source of a solution if there is a problem in the implementation of development.

“Just like playing football, you are all the strikers that need to score, to make the project succeed. You are not a goalkeeper that defends goal-line and prevent the opposing team from scoring,” President Jokowi said. (UN/EN) (RAS/MMB/YM/Naster)