President Jokowi Inspects Damaged Road Segment in N. Sumatra

President Jokowi accompanied by Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung inspects Gunting Saga road infrastructure, in North Labuhanbatu regency, Wednesday (05/17). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Kris)

During his working visit to North Sumatra province, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Wednesday (05/17) inspected Gunting Saga road infrastructure, in North Labuhanbatu regency in response to the issue of damaged road segment in the province.

“We’re here in North Sumatra province, North Labuhanbatu regency. The total length of national road in North Sumatra province is 2,600 (kilometers), but more than 260 (kilometers) are damaged,” President Jokowi said in a press statement.

In addition, out of 3,005 kilometers of provincial roads, 340 kilometers must be repaired, whereas, out of 33,000 kilometers of regency roads, around 13,000 kilometers are damaged, including the road segment in North Labuhanbatu regency.

President Jokowi asserted that the Central Government will rehabilitate the damaged road in July 2023. The works will be handled by the Central Government and also the regional government based on the authority of each region.

“We will divide (the road rehabilitation works) in North Sumatra. Some of the road segments will be rehabilitated by the governors; others will be handled by regents; there are also road segments that will be taken over by the Central Government if governments at the province, regencies or municipalities do not have the ability to rehabilitate these roads,” he explained.

According to the President, damaged roads are not only found in North Sumatra province. Therefore, the Government will rehabilitate all damaged roads based on priority scale. Roads for logistics and production will be the first in line.

He went on to say that he has received reports on damaged roads from many sides, be it from the Ministry or the public in general.

“I have received reports from Ministry of Public Works. Some citizens also gave reports through my personal Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts. From Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook alone, I have received reports on damaged roads in 7,400 locations. Thus, we need to cross-check the data and compare it with Ministry of Public Works’ data,” he concluded.  (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (RAS/MMB)