President Jokowi: Gov’t to Continue Developing Infrastructures in Border Areas

President Jokowi and First Lady Ibu Iriana distribute books to the students of Miangas Island, on Wednesday (19/10)

After inaugurating Miangas Airport, President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo, First Lady Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo, and the entourage on Wednesday (19/10) headed to Miangas Island, which covers an area of 3.2 km^2, on bus to conduct an inspection.

The first location visited by the President, was Garuda Monument.

After visiting the monument, President Jokowi greeted the elementary school students who were already lined up to welcome the President and First Lady. President Jokowi and Ibu Iriana happily greeted the students and distributed books. After that, the President walked through a wharf and stopped before entering the airport.

“Considering the real condition on the ground, Miangas Island deserves more attention. First, besides the airport that was completed, the location also needs other things,” the President responded to reporters’ questions.

President Jokowi asserted that the Government wants the local people feel the nationalism and proud to be Indonesian citizens in the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

In his inspection, President Jokowi found several problems in Miangas Island, one of which is the high price of fuel, even though majority population of Miangas are fisherman.

“The fuel supply is often delayed, causing the price reach Rp20,000 to Rp30,000 per liter,” the President added.

Regarding information transparency, President Jokowi admitted that Miangas Island community can well accept the broadcasts from a state-owned, public broadcasting television network TVRI, yet they get better access to the broadcasts of radio of neighboring countries, such as from the Philippines.

“The Government noticed it, and I will give further instruction on the problem of state radio network of Indonesia RRI which is not well accepted yet in this area. In contrast, TVRI is well accepted by the people,” President Jokowi stated.

On that occasion, the President also noticed the lack of health personnel in Miangas. Therefore, the President instructed his officials to add more health personnel in the island.

“There is community health centers (Puskesmas) here, but no doctor. We will find the doctor, and the problem will be handled by the Governor and Regent,” the President said.

To conclude his statement, President Jokowi reiterated the importance of developing border areas in order to realize Indonesia-centris course, as well as eradicating terrorism and illegal fishing.

Therefore, the Indonesian Government will continue developing infrastructures in border areas around Indonesia, including in the border of East Nusa Tenggara, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Entikong.

“Once again, I will not only develop Miangas Island  but also other border areas, outermost areas, and outskirt areas,” President Jokowi concluded.

During the visit to Miangas President Jokowi and First Lady Ibu Iriana were joined by Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, Presidential Chief of Staff Teten Masduki, and Governor of North Sulawesi Dondokambey.

After the inspection, the President and First Lady returned to Sam Ratulangi Airport, Manado on CN-295, the Indonesia’s Air Force (TNI AU) Aircraft on transit, and carried on the flight to Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, Jakarta on Presidential Aircraft. (BPMI/ES)(RAS/EP/YM/Naster)