Introductory Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo at the Limited Cabinet Meeting on the Development of Areas Surrounding Suramadu Bridge, at the Presidential Office, Jakarta 3 February 2016
Unofficial English Translation
Assalamualaikum warrahmatullahi wabarakaatuh,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In 2016, the Government not only focuses on boosting economic growth but also on directing towards development equality.
The direction is clear. We aim for development equality in Java and outside Java, in western Indonesia and eastern Indonesia. The paradigm of the development equality should be Indonesia-centrist, so people all over the country can reap the benefit of the development.
In this limited meeting, we will exclusively discuss the development of areas surrounding Suramadu Bridge. I would like to remind you that Suramadu Bridge was built with the aim of accelerating regional development, particularly in Madura Island. The bridge is expected to make the mobility of people and goods more efficient and faster than the moment when the people relied on sea transportation or ships.
Once again, the main objective is to move the economy in East Java as well as to accelerate the regional development, especially in Madura Island, thereby reducing the inequality between regions and supporting equitable development as I have mentioned previously can be made.
This is my introductory remarks. I invite the ministers and other officials to explain related matters. (Humas) (AW/YM/Naster)