President Jokowi Inaugurates 27 Road Sections, Hopes for Improved Interregional Connectivity in S. Sulawesi

President Jokowi inaugurates 27 road sections as part of the implementation of Regional Road Presidential Instructions (IJD) program in South Sulawesi, Thursday (02/22).

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Thursday (02/22) officially opened 27 road sections as part of the Regional Road Presidential Implementation (IJD-Inpres Jalan Daerah) initiative in South Sulawesi province. The inauguration ceremony took place in Pangkajene and Kepulauan (Pangkep) regency.

“By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I declare the 27 road sections as part of the Regional Road Presidential Implementation in South Sulawesi province officially open,” said the President.

The President explained that in 2023, the Central Government allocated a budget of Rp669 billion for South Sulawesi province. This funding was designated for the construction and improvement of 201 kilometers of roads across all regencies and cities in the province.

“A total of 27 road sections have been built and repaired, and today they have been completed,” he stated.

He mentioned that this budget allocation will continue to increase, while expressing hope that the construction of these road sections is expected to bring concrete benefits for the local communities.

“We expect all roads in South Sulawesi province will be smooth and well-maintained, so that it will improve connectivity between regions and provinces,” the President added.

Indriyani, a local resident, expressed gratitude for the construction of these road sections. She noted that the previously damaged roads, which had caused numerous fatalities, had now significantly improved.

“We are thankful that they are now in good condition, clean, and free of potholes. Previously, the roads were in poor condition, with damages leading to fatal accidents,” said Indriyani.

Similarly, Syahrir, another resident, also acknowledged the benefits of these roads and expressed appreciation to President Jokowi’s government.

“On behalf of the local residents, we are very grateful for the President’s initiative to improve our roads. We, particularly the people of Pangkep, deeply appreciate President Jokowi’s efforts. We are grateful for his leadership over the past 10 years,” said Syahrir.

Accompanying the President at the inauguration were Minister of State-owned Enterprises Erick Thohir, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, Acting Governor of South Sulawesi Bahtiar Baharuddin, and Pangkep Regent Muhammad Yusran Lalogau. (BPMI SETPRES/UN) (APN/RAS/MUR)