Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Inspection to Jambi City – Sungai Gelam Road Section in Jambi Province, May 16, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, in Jambi province, there are nine regencies and two cities. If we look at the data, there are approximately 10,000 km of regency roads, with around 4,600 km in poor condition, which is almost half of the regency and city roads that are damaged. Furthermore, there are 1,030 km of provincial roads, of which 250 km, 25 percent, are damaged, a quarter of them. There are 1,300 km of national roads, with 130 km (10 percent) in poor condition.

During our inspection earlier, we found that the roads used for pineapple production are indeed damaged. We will commence repair work on those roads starting in July or August. As for the regency roads and provincial roads, they will be taken over by the Central Government and repaired promptly as well. This is because logistics roads and production roads are of utmost importance. Therefore, those in severe disrepair need to be addressed urgently. That’s all I have to say.

Furthermore, it is important to note that this situation is not limited to Jambi province alone. Many other provinces also require attention due to their impact on production and logistics roads.

Journalist

From the observation result today, is the road section that was reviewed in a severely damaged condition or how, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Severely damaged, I experienced it myself, there’s no need for me to convey it. That is based on the data provided by the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, the data I have obtained from the community, and it was also confirmed with the Governor and the Regent. And, the most important thing now is to take immediate steps for the repairs.

Journalist

Sir, here’s another one. Regarding the issue of coal trucks still using national roads, which is still a problem in Jambi, what is your stance, sir? Should a dedicated route for these trucks be a priority?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, there should be a dedicated route for coal transportation, but it doesn’t exist here at this moment. However, as mentioned earlier by the Governor, it will soon be initiated so that there will be separate routes for general traffic and coal transportation.

Journalist

Did you set the target completion date, Sir, because this dedicated route has become…?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

As soon as possible. Earlier, I instructed the Governor to accelerate the completion, either through investment schemes or other approaches. Thank you.

Journalist

Your stance on the Jambi toll road, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, it will be completed as soon as possible. Maybe, inshaallah, it will be finished by 2024.

Journalist

2024?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes. I haven’t heard any obstacles, which means it is on schedule for next year.

Journalist

One more question, Sir. How is the synchronization between road repairs carried out by the Central Government and the local government, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Oh, the repairs for these damaged roads are mostly carried out by the local government, but even with the involvement of the Central Government, they still haven’t been completed. Ideally, all the repairs should be done by the respective regions, the province itself, and each regency. However, since the roads are spread across the entire country, involving regencies, cities, and provinces, as I mentioned earlier, even if we work together, it doesn’t guarantee timely completion. Perhaps it will take around two or three years for us to pursue completion as quickly as possible. Thank you.

Journalist

Thank you.

(AS/MUR)