Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia On Inauguration of Indrapuri – Blang Bintang Toll Road, The Section 4 of Sigli – Banda Aceh Toll Road, On Tuesday, 25 August 2020 at Blang Bintang Toll Gate, Blang Bintang Sub-District, Aceh Besar Regency, Aceh Province

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Distinguished Cabinet Ministers,

Distinguished Governor of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam and the Regent,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Even though we are facing the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to carry out infrastructure development, because infrastructure in our country is still lagging behind other countries. It makes our logistics costs more expensive. This is what causes our competitiveness is lower comparing to our neighboring countries.

 Moreover, in the current situation, infrastructure development is also one of the strategies that give leverage to accelerate national economic recovery. That is the reason. We are aware that by connecting Aceh to Lampung, with the length of 2,765 kilometers, we hope that it will generate growth, economic equality, economic growth and economic equality in the island of Sumatra. And of course it can increase efficiency in travel time. The data shows that it will improve the efficiency of 53 hours of travel along this development corridor, and increase the multiplier effect 2-3 times. This is extraordinary, in the event that this is completed, God willing, in 2024. And it is also calculated to directly provide 296,000 jobs for 18 sections, and it currently absorbs 24,700 workers.

Distinguished guests,

The 74-kilometer Banda Aceh-Sigli toll road is the first toll road in Aceh Province. I want to thank the Governor, the Regent and the people of Aceh. Land acquisition in Aceh Province is, as far as I know, the fastest. For example, of the 74 kilometer (land acquisition) from Banda Aceh to Sigli, the progress has been 86 percent, this is very fast. Consequently, the construction can be conducted quickly. I think if the methods in Aceh are later applied to other Provinces, the toll roads can be ready soon. When it is ready, the access to the airport will be easier and the travel time will be shortened.

In the event that connectivity gets smoother and connected to air transportation, we will see the movement of people and goods will be faster in the future so that the costs will be more efficient. Economic growth will be interconnected from one point to another so that the economy will grow faster. We hope that this new infrastructure will generate new zones of economic growth, new businesses, and expansion of existing businesses. We hope that it can revive the economy in Aceh, and surely the goal is to create as many jobs as possible.

Lastly, I order the Governor to connect the main corridor, the toll road, to agricultural centers, tourism centers, industrial centers so that it will truly benefit our people in Aceh. We hope that Aceh will become the epicenter of new economic growth in the island of Sumatra. And do not forget to involve micro, small, and medium enterprises so that they also get the economic benefit from the infrastructure we build.

I think that concludes my remarks. By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim I officially inaugurate the Indrapuri-Blang Bintang toll road, the section 4 of the Sigli-Blang Bintang toll road.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Translated by Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Reviewed by Lulu Wuliarti