President Jokowi: Adi Soemarmo Airport Train Project Expected to be Finished in 2018
President Jokowi lays the corner-stone of the Adi Soemarmo Airport Train in Central Java, Saturday (8/4). Photo: PR/Fid)
President Joko Jokowi Widodo, accompanied by First Lady Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo, laid the corner-stone of the Adi Soemarmo Airport Railway, in Boyolali, Central Java, on Saturday (8/4) morning. The President requested that the construction of the railway that connects Boyolali, Solo, Madiun, and Jogjakarta be finished by 2018. “That was indeed cutting it close but this morning I reiterated that it should not retreat from 2018. I was told that it is the land acquisition that matters. There is the Regent here, it is the Regents and Mayors responsibility to resolve these issues. They must be ready because many people listen to it,” the President said.
President Jokowi reminded all parties that today competitions amongst countries are very fierce, not only is it very hard but also very fierce. “Countries, which have high competitiveness, are efficient, and fast serving, will win the competition,” the President stated.
As a big country, the President continued, Indonesia does not want to be left behind. We want to win the competition. Therefore, all matters relating to the mode, transportation, be it ports, land, or air transport sector, should be efficient. “People, communities, users, all of them are given choices. You may take a taxi, bus, train, or LRT, please. These are choices that must be provided by the state, by the Government. What is that for? In order to be efficient,” the President explained.
Large Airport
President Jokowi explained that Adi Soemarmo Airport will be a large airport. The terminal as presented by the Minister of Transportation will be enlarged to 26,000 square meters. Adi Soemarmos apron will also be extended from 2,600 meters to 3,000 meters. Again, they must be completed by 2018. “The work should be given a target, otherwise, it will be delayed which will lead to the suspension of the project. We should not let this happen,” the President firmly said.
According to the President, the reason why we work in hurry is because other countries have left us. If we do not pursue, we only work one shift, do not be surprised that now we have left behind. “It is obvious that Singapore, Malaysia, and Viet Nam have already left us. We have to chase them. There is no choice if we want to win the competition,” the President said.
After delivering his speech, President Jokowi pressed the siren button and laid the corner-stone of the Adi Soemarmo Airpot Train Project.
Accompanying President Jokowi and First Lady Ibu Iriana during the working visit were Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, Minister of State-owned Enterprises Rini Soemarno, Governor of Central Java Ganjar Pranowo, Head of Presidential Secretariat Darmansjah Djumala, Mayor of Solo FX Hadi Rudyatmo, and Regent of Boyolali Seno Samodro. (DNA/FID/ES) (MUR/YM/Naster).
