Introductory Remarks of the President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Limited Cabinet Meeting on the Development of the Sea Toll Program through Logistic Posts and Air Bridge, 5 January 2017 at the Presidential Office, Jakarta
Unofficial English Translation
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Our limited cabinet meeting agenda this afternoon will discuss the development of the Sea Toll Program with Logistic Posts and Air Bridge.
As we enter the year 2017, I would like to reiterate priorities in the development of transportation infrastructures that build connectivity among cities, among regencies, among provinces, among islands, and among regions, especially regions that are still difficult to reach.
The main goals are to create equal development and to reduce gaps among cities and villages, among areas, as well as among regions all over the country.
I would also like to note again that enhancing connectivity is not merely about building transportation infrastructures, but is also related with logistic system and multi-mode distribution. It means, it is not enough to just building seaports and airports. And it is not enough to just provide both sea and air freight transport to transport basic commodities from and to underdeveloped regions, remote areas, outermost (islands), and border areas.
Rather, we also have to ensure that goods transported through the Sea Toll and the Air Bridge (mechanism) can reach inland areas, remote areas, and outermost islands because our fellow countrymen in those regions not only have to buy goods at a higher place than prices in Java, but they also often face difficulties in obtaining basic commodities.
Therefore, I want that the Sea Toll and the Air Bridge modes must be really integrated, not only with industrial zones, but also with logistic centers.
Let me also reiterate that the Sea Toll and the Air Bridge programs must also be able to move economies in the regions and through the modes, not only can we transport goods to inland regions remote areas, and outermost (islands) but also transport goods produced in those regions to the rest of the regions in the country.
I suppose that is what I can convey for my introductory remarks. (Humas Setkab) (EP/YM/Naster)