Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at High Level Forum for Connectivity, Belt and Road Forum, China National Convention Center, Beijing, China, October 18, 2023

Your Excellency Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang;

State Leaders;

Distinguished guests.

In this open and global era, Indonesia reaffirms that connectivity is the path to prosperity. To that end, over the nine years until the end of 2023, Indonesia has built more than two thousand kilometers of toll roads and non-toll roads, as well as new ports and new airports. Apart from large infrastructure projects, Indonesia is also developing connectivity through small infrastructure projects in the frontier areas, in villages, and in rural areas. We have more than 320,000 kilometers of village roads, 1.7 million meters of bridges, and other facilities. Besides strengthening our connectivity through infrastructure projects, Indonesia also continues to expand its digital connectivity to reach border areas, because Indonesia has 17,000 islands. We also develop health and education facilities to boost Indonesia’s economic competitiveness and investment, and to maintain our sustainable growth.

Your Excellency,

From our experience, we learn four important factors in developing connectivity. First, it should bring economic benefits. Second, it should be carried out equally and inclusively. Third, we must pay attention to sustainability aspects. Fourth, it must be supported by the development of human resources and technology experts. We see that these four things can become the basis for the BRI [Belt and Road Initiative] cooperation framework for connectivity development, so that the BRI can become a solution for developing connectivity and contributing to peace in the region to create common prosperity.

I thank You.

(RI/LW)