Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Inauguration of Cisumdawu Toll Road, Sumedang Regency, West Java Province, July 11, 2023
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We have completed the construction of the 61-kilometer Cisumdawu Toll Road. This toll road will support the operation of Kertajati Airport. The initial plan was that we complete the construction of the Kertajati airport in line with the Cisumdawu Toll Road, so that it could be immediately ready. However, due to many problems in land acquisition, the completion was delayed. Thank God, this project has been completed. We hope that the toll road will provide full support for Kertajati airport operation. We also hope that in October the Kertajati airport will be fully operational. Minister of Public Works and Public Housing and Governor of West Java have tried the toll road from Bandung to Kertajati. Mr Governor spent 45 minutes, while Mr Minister spent 50 minutes or approximately one hour.
Reporter
Let me ask another question, sir. Today the House of Representatives (DPR) passed the Health bill. Another bill, the Village bill, will be proposed by the DPR. Many stakeholders consider that the Village bill is full of political interests. The two bills will also affect the State Budget. What is your response regarding the passing of Health bill or the Village bill that is proposed by the DPR?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We hope that the Health Law, which has been reviewed by the DPR, will accelerate reforms in our health services. We hope that the shortage of doctors can be overcome more quickly, and the shortage of specialist doctors can also be overcome more quickly. I think that is the direction of the policy. The Village [Bill] is still being discussed in the DPR, and the Government will deliver a statement in response to the Bill.
Reporter
Yesterday you met Mr Prabowo. Mr Prabowo said that there was a discussion about defense. Did you discuss the Indonesia-Korea cooperation project, namely the KFX? Korea said they had billed Indonesia for the payment of around US$600 million. You have met Mr Prabowo on several occasions, were there any political discussions or did you only talked about defense issues?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We only talked about defense issues, but not about KFX. Regarding KFX, I will talk to the Minister of Finance on this matter.
Reporter
What about the Minister of Youth and Sports in the BTS [Base Transceiver Station] case?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
That is a legal process, you may ask the Attorney General’s Office.
Reporter
What about the Rp27 billion fund?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
You may ask law enforcement personnel. The case is in the domain of law enforcement institutions. I always say that we must respect all existing legal processes.
Reporter
Regarding the acting Governor of West Java, Have you decided the candidates?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Not yet, because the process is still long. What month is it now?
Reporter
July.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Right. We have plenty of time.
Reporter
Do you already have the names of the candidates?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Pardon?
Reporter
Do you already have the names of the candidates?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, there is a name or two.
Reporter
Last question, regarding billboards. There are many billboards with the picture of Mr Prabowo paired with your picture. How do you respond to that?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
My picture is not only paired with Mr Prabowo or the Gerindra Party. My picture has also been displayed by the PDIP Party and the PSI Party. In NTT, the Nasdem Party put up a picture of me with Mr Viktor Laiskodat.
Reporter
So you don’t see any problems, sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
What do you think?
(RI/MMB)