Infrastructure development to connect Indonesia

Jakarta, InfoPublik – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) underlined that Indonesia is a huge country with a population of 263 million and is listed in the top 16 economies.

"It is a plural country. It has hundreds of local languages," said President Jokowi when addressing 365 students from Taruna Nusantara high school Magelang at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday (4/9).

The President were very proud that Taruna Nusantara high school students came from Sabang to Merauke. Students from Miangas Island and Rote Island are also attend this school.

On the occasion, President Jokowi discussed the importance of infrastructure which is now being intensively developed by the government, ranging from toll roads both in Java and outside Java to the newly built or expanding existing airports and seaports.

He gave example of Kuala Tanjung port in Sumatra which is currently in development process. The port development is expected to be completed at the end of this year.

According to the President, Tanjung Priok port is also expanded so that any ship can dock to the port. It will be like the Makassar New Port where all large ships can dock. In the near future, the similar port will also be built in Sorong.

Furthermore, the President said the development is also done in small ports, such as in Tapaleo, Central Halmahera.

The small harbor is being used to transport cement, groceries, rice, sugar, corn, crops, and nutmeg to be sold to other islands.

"That is called the sea toll. It will connect islands, provinces, regencies, and cities in our country," said President Jokowi.

The reason to build the sea toll is that the government wants a strong foundation for this country to compete with other countries. (Translator Wilda Stiana)