Gov’t to Boost National Economic Recovery Through Infrastructure Development

The President listens to an explanation regarding the construction of the Banda Aceh-Sigli Toll Road, Aceh Province, Tuesday (25/8). (Photo by: BPMI)

Infrastructure development is one of the Government’s strategies to accelerate national economic recovery amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.

The President made the statement during the inauguration of Sigli-Banda Aceh toll road project at the interchange of section 4 of the project (Indrapuri-Blang Bintang) in Aceh Province, Tuesday (25/8)

According to the President, infrastructure development projects must continue to be carried out since the country still lags behind other countries in this sector.

“The lagging infrastructure development makes logistical costs remain high in our country and it also lowers our economic competitiveness as we compete with neighboring countries,” the President said.

The President went on to say that the construction of 2,765 kilometers trans-Sumatra toll road that connects Aceh to Lampung is expected to boost economic growth and equity in the island of Sumatra.

“In addition to boosting economic growth and equity in Sumatra Island, the toll road is also expected to cut travel time. Based on the data, it will increase the efficiency of travel time up to 53 hours along this development corridor,” the President added.

On that occasion, the President said the construction of toll road is also aimed at increasing the multiplier effect up to 2-3 times, adding that the toll road project is targeted to be completed by 2024.

“The project will provide jobs for 296,000 people at 18 existing sections and it has provided employment for 24,700 people,” (TGH / EN)

Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas