Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia on the Inauguration of Bengkulu-Taba Penanjung Toll Road, at Bengkulu Toll Gate, July 20, 2023

Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after the Inauguration of Bengkulu-Taba Penanjung Toll Road, July 20, 2023

So, this is just a start. This is the first toll road built in Bengkulu province. We hope that it will connect to Lubuklinggau city, stretching 95 kilo meters, and this is 16.7 [kilo meters] to start with. Once again, we hope that it will trigger the regional economy because of good logistic mobility, low inflation, lowering prices, that is the outcome. So, people’s mobility will be faster than before. I think this is the function of infrastructure, be it toll road, airport, or seaport, all of it will improve competitiveness, logistics, logistic mobility, and it will make the prices more competitive and cheaper.

Journalist

Mr. President, will it be allocated in the State Budget?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It is indeed allocated in the State Budget, at this moment it is sourced from the State Budget through State Equity Participation due to low internal rate of return (IRR), low users, so, no other option than to use the State Budget. If not, the toll road will never be built. If the IRR is good economically, the private sector may take part, but if the IRR is low, no other option than to use the State Budget, the State Equity Participation should be used.

Journalist

Sir, when the next phase will begin, Sir? For the second phase, Sir? When the plan is projected, Sir? When it is estimated to launch, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It will be continued, but we will consider our State Budget and also other provinces’ demands. However, the preparation is under way and will be carried on.

Journalist

In the near time or in the upcoming years, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

The preparation is under way. It means that it has started, but still under way.

Journalist

The fourth section, Sir? Is it in 2025, Sir? Will it be built in 2025?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

No, no, we will catch up soon, because this toll road is very important, especially Bengkulu-Lubuklinggau segment.

Journalist

So, in the next year?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

We are preparing, carrying it on, on and on, insya Allah.

Journalist

What about the land acquisition, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

In all places, in all provinces, building new airports, building new seaports, building toll roads, the most major issue is land acquisition. So, I keep saying that the process should not cause disadvantage to the people, that is it, because it is a matter of bigger importance, a bigger public importance that should be put first, but not causing disadvantage to the people.

Governor of Bengkulu Province (Rohidin Mersyah)

Here, [the process] is really fast, Sir. In two years, the land acquisition and the construction are done in two years.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Bengkulu province has done it well, the land acquisition is fast.

Journalist

The legal process should be completed, right, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Indeed, all process done well. Do not let any hindrance in the legal process that cause the project to stop, no. The public importance, the people’s interest must be put first.

Journalist

How is the meeting with Mr. SP, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

What?

Journalist

How is the meeting with Mr. Surya Paloh, Pak?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

The meeting with Mr. Surya Paloh? It is just a usual meeting. We meet often. We meet often, having a talk, just an ordinary talk. Why would you want to know anyway? Well, some issues on government, on politics.

Journalist

2024?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

There was also an issue related to 2024, but I cannot tell you in detail.

Journalist

What do you think about public school enrolment (PPDB), Sir? The PPDB, concerning its zoning system? Why PPDB has always been an issue every year like this, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Technical issue is always there, be it in the cities, the regencies, or provinces. So, the most important is to settle the issue well during the implementation. Our children should be given abundant opportunity to have good education up to higher levels. On technical issues that emerge during the implementation, it is the concern of regents, mayors, or governors. It should not always be the concern of the president.

Journalist

Damaged roads in Bengkulu province, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Damaged roads, damaged roads are found in all provinces. We will check them, we will check the damaged roads that are under repair, because all provinces are currently starting to repair it.

Journalist

… how many approximately, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I do not recall. I cannot recall all of them. So, please ask the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing.

Journalist

Sir, how much is the regional budget of Bengkulu province? Is it Rp400 billion, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It has been handled by Mr. Bas. For eight segments.

Journalist

Where are exactly the location of the eight segments, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

In Bengkulu province.

(AW/LW)