President Jokowi Inaugurates Inpres Roads in Gorontalo to Enhance Access and Productivity

President Jokowi inaugurates the implementation of the Presidential Instruction (Inpres) on Regional Roads in Gorontalo Province, Monday (04/22). (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat’s Bureau of Press, Media and Information (BPMI)/Rusman)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, on Monday (04/22), inaugurated the implementation of the Presidential Instruction (Inpres) on Regional Roads in Gorontalo Province, which is part of the Central Government’s efforts to increase connectivity and productivity in the region. In his remarks, the President emphasized the importance of road infrastructure to support local production such as coconut and corn.

“This region produces coconut and corn, but if it has no roads, how will such products be distributed?” said President Jokowi at the inauguration ceremony in Dulupi District, Boalemo Regency. “Roads are very essential to increase productivity in an area,” he added.

For this year, Gorontalo province has received funds amounting to Rp161 billion allocated for the construction of five roads with a total length of 46 kilometers crossing three regencies, namely Boalemo regency, Gorontalo regency and North Gorontalo regency.

The local community’s response to the construction of those roads was very positive. Herman, a local resident, expressed his gratitude that the Government had not forgotten people in remote areas.

“This was once a footpath. Let alone four-wheeled vehicles, even bicycles couldn’t pass it. The existence of these roads will have an impact on the economy of the local community,” said Herman.

Local farmer, Irwan, also gained direct benefits from the new roads. “Farmers’ productivity has increased because of this road access. The existence of roads makes it easier for people to access production lines,” said Irwan.

Asma, another resident, expressed her joy at the infrastructure improvements and the President’s arrival in her village. “The roads were once in poor condition, but thank God, they are good now. I’m really excited to see Mr. Jokowi come to this village. People from all over Boalemo are coming here, we are happy that Mr. Jokowi came here,” said Asma.

President Jokowi’s visit was aimed not only to inaugurate the roads but also to bring new hope for enhancing prosperity and economic mobility in the Gorontalo region. It is hoped that this infrastructure development will have a sustainable positive impact on local economic growth. (Presidential Secretariat’s BPMI/AIT)