President Jokowi Emphasizes Logistics-Road Production Is Allowed To Be Severely Damaged

President Jokowi gave a statement during a working visit to SMK PPN 1 South Kualuh, North Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra, Wednesday (17/5/2023). (ANTARA/HO-Biro Press Secretariat of the President of the Republic of Indonesia)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo emphasized that logistics lines and production roads in all regions in Indonesia should not be left badly damaged in order to prevent the rate of increase in excess inflation.

Therefore, the government continues to boost efforts to repair damaged roads throughout the region.

"Don't let the logistics line, the production roads are badly damaged. It will interfere and will increase logistics costs, increase inflation. That is our goal to improve infrastructure," Jokowi said while giving a statement on the sidelines of a working visit to VAT 1 SMK South Kualuh, North Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra. reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, May 17.

The President explained that the government will immediately repair the damaged road infrastructure in North Sumatra, including Jalan Gunting Saga which was reviewed directly during his working visit to North Labuhanbatu.

Apart from North Labuhanbatu, Jokowi stated that road repairs would also be carried out in Asahan Regency.

"Yes, it will be done immediately, God willing, everything will start in July, and not only in North Labuhanbatu, including in Asahan because our identification is complete," said Jokowi.

The President emphasized that improvements are not only for roads in North Sumatra, but also in other provinces that will be checked first.

Especially for road repairs in North Sumatra, the President explained that the central government has prepared a budget of Rp800 billion.

Nevertheless, the Head of State reminded again that every provincial government and district/city government still have the responsibility to repair provincial roads and/or district/city roads.

"Don't take over (the central government) well, which districts/cities sleep, don't, that's not what it means. We want to help, accelerate, improve because of public complaints," said Jokowi.

The President previously outlined data that in North Sumatra there was a national road along 2,600 km, of which 260 km were in a damaged condition.

Then there is a 3,005 km provincial road in North Sumatra, of which 340 km are damaged.

Meanwhile, 13,000 km from 33,000 km of district/city roads in North Sumatra were damaged.