Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Inspecting Gunting Saga Road Infrastructure, in North Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra Province, May 17, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
At the moment, we are 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.

The second [issue], provincial roads. There are 3,005 kilometers of provincial roads of which 340 kilometers are damaged. There are also regency roads and most roads in regencies are damaged. Out of 33,000 kilometers of roads in North Sumatra, around 13,000 kilometers are damaged, including the road segment in North Labuhanbatu regency, in Labura. Meanwhile, 17 kilometers of road in Tanjung Leidong are in similar condition.

We will repair the damaged roads in July, at the latest. 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.

Journalist

Sir, North Sumatra ranks first among provinces with most damaged roads in Indonesia.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, we must check them and rehabilitate them, immediately. It takes time because there a lot of damaged roads, as I mentioned the number earlier. And the damaged roads are not only found in North Sumatra province. Other provinces also have similar condition.

Journalist

Sir, North Sumatra ranks first among provinces with most damaged roads in Indonesia.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, we must check them and rehabilitate them, immediately. It takes time because there a lot of damaged roads, as I have mentioned the number earlier. And the damaged roads are not only found in North Sumatra province. Other provinces also have similar condition.

Journalist

Mr. President, did you receive information about the damaged roads from the [Ministry of] Public Works or from the public?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
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.

Journalist

So, these roads will be prioritized?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
How could we do not prioritize this matter? The roads are damaged…There isn’t much of a difference between the data and the real condition. So, the issue is which road we must prioritize. The heavily-damaged roads, particularly roads for production will be the first in line. Roads for logistics also need to be prioritized since it will affect logistic cost, production cost, and inflation.

Journalist

After North Sumatra, Jambi, and Lampung, where would you go to inspect other damaged roads?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I will inspect the roads, immediately. Check them directly on the ground. Okay.

(RAS/MMB)