Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Inspecting Reconstruction Process of Surakarta-Gemolong- Purwodadi Main Road in Sragen Regency, Central Java Province, July 23, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I found similar situations in many provinces, so we need to fix, to speed up road repairs particularly provincial roads, regency and city roads throughout the country. For the first phase, the Government has allocated a budget of Rp7 trillion, and another Rp7 trillion for the second phase, for this year only.

I noticed that road stability of provincial roads in Central Java province is good reaching 88 percent, compared to that of Sumatra which based on the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, has only reached 60 percent in average. I used to pass this road every day; and ever since I was young, the road is often damaged. The current construction indeed doubles the costs, but I think the road will remain in good condition for more than 10 years. If we use asphalt, the road can probably be damaged again in two years. This is what we’re constructing. Hopefully, Solo-Purwodadi road can be maintained for a long time. The thickness of the cast road is 10 centimeters for the base plus another 25 centimeters for the top.

Reporter

(inaudible)

 President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

We’re talking about the long term; we’re calculating for the long term use. Although the cost to build it is huge, it will be much cheaper for long-term use.

 Reporter

Will the quality be same in all roads?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

No, it only applies on unstable soil condition. Stable soil does not need this kind of cast.

 Reporter

When should be the target date?

 President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

As soon as possible. Some provinces have already had contracts, where is it? In Bengkulu. The projects, some of the projects have been started in Lampung. By the end of July, all projects should begin. Thus, I will monitor it on the ground with the Governor.

 Reporter

In terms of quality, this road spends the most budget, right?

 President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Construction on unstable soil condition requires this kind of construction works. It will be much cheaper if we consider the long-term use. Although the cost to build it is huge, it will be much cheaper for long-term use. Thank you.  

(RAS/MMB)