President Jokowi Inaugurates Longest Bridge in Eastern Indonesia

President Jokowi during the inauguration of MerahPutih Bridge on Monday (4/4)

Beginning his working visit to Papua, West Papua, and North Maluku Provinces, President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo on Monday (4/4) inaugurated Merah Putih Bridge in Ambon.

The Bridge, which spans 1,140 meters, is the longest bridge in Eastern Indonesia.

In his opening remarks, the President hopes that the Bridge can be a new icon for tourism in Ambon.

“Anyone who comes to the city will be able to enjoy the beauty of Ambon city, especially Ambon Bay,” the President said.

President Jokowi also noted that to win the competition, de-regulation and acceleration of development that is ‘Indonesia-centrist’ (Indonesia-oriented, instead of Java oriented) is also a must.

In addition, he added that adequate infrastructures are also needed to attract investors.

“We must be focused on infrastructure development. It cannot be compromised,be it seaports, toll roads, bridges. They all are prerequisites that we cannot compromise anymore,” the President said.

As for the regulations, the President reminded that there are 3,000 troubled regional laws.

Therefore, the President asked speakers and all members of the regional legislative council (DPRD) to formulate regulationsthat can stimulate the people to be able to facilitate people (investors, businessmen), instead of bringing difficulties to them.

The President ended his remarks by inaugurating the Bridge.

On that occasion, the President was accompanied by Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono and Governor of Maluku Said Assagaf. (TKP)  (EP/YM/Naster)