Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Visit to Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra Province, October 25, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

This is my second visit to Mentawai, but this time, I only visit the city, indeed.  And, with the completion of the new airport, we hope it will attract more tourists to come visit Mentawai Islands, especially those related to surfing that must be developed, thereby elevating community’s living standards.

The airport already exists, what we need is just to encourage more airlines to come to Mentawai. I see that the infrastructure construction of road is good. There might be a complaint about BTS, so I will convey it to the Minister of Communications and Informatics later, okay?

Reporter:

Sir, you visited the market and what did you see, Sir? Was it staple food or anything else?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Yes, I only observed the prices of vegetables there, vegetables were cheaper indeed. The price of tempeh was also cheaper here. Well, that’s it.

Reporter:

Thank you, Mr President.

(RY/MUR)