President Joko Widodo Wants Palapa Ring Project to Finish Immediately

President Jokowi delivers a remarks at the inauguration of Central and East Palapa Ring Optic Fiber Network Project at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday (29/9) afternoon

President Joko Widodo admitted that he wants the Palapa Ring project, that will provide the service of optic fiber network connecting all regencies/cities in Indonesia, to finish immediately. If not, the President added, Indonesia would be left behind.

According to the President, Indonesia’s digital economy provides huge opportunity. By 2020, it is projected to achieve US$ 130 billion.

“It’s thousands of trillion,” the President said when delivering a remarks at the Inauguration of Financial Close of Central and East Palapa Ring Optic Fiber Network Project and the Signing of Cooperation Agreement of East Palapa Ring Optic Fiber Network Project with PT Palapa Timur Telematika, at the State Palace, Jakarta,on Thursday (29/9) afternoon.

Therefore, the President asked to rapidly prepare everything so that Indonesia will have its own retail as well as logistic platforms and it can compete head to head with other countries.

If Indonesia does not get prepared, the President admitted that he cannot imagine what would happen since it has 17 thousands islands. When the optic fiber network is ready, so does the platform and retail platform, small industries, products of the villages and remote islands, as well as farmers’ and fishermen’s products can be integrated.

“It will unite us,” the President said and emphasized that connectivity does not only mean sea toll, ports, or toll road. This information toll is also important for the future.

“I always encourage to make preparation and move fast. It is a must,” the President added.

The President also invited all to imagine the next 15-20 years, shopping malls would be obsolete. There would be only 30 percent that survive but the people no longer want to go there. “Please be carefull. We still have choices, such as malls, stores, and markets. The future road map must be prepared from now on. We must have visions for the future,” the President said.

The President said that this is a big work that must be prepared right now. Therefore, the President really appreciated the signing of contract of financial close of the Palapa Ring project.

“I wish the project could finish immediately and it can be used for the nation, the country, and the people of Indonesia,” the President said.

The event was also attended by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Darmin Nasution, as well as  Minister of Communication and Information Technology Rudiantara. (RMI/ES) (MMB/YM/Naster)