Regarding The International Trust In The Midst Of Public Criticism Regarding Infrastructure, Jokowi: Toll Roads Can't Be Eated

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) admitted that he had listened to criticism and ridicule in the public through various methods related to his efforts to improve infrastructure in the country. One of them is related to the construction of toll roads in various regions of Indonesia.

"International trust cannot be eaten. People, right, eat rice. Just like toll roads can't be eaten," Jokowi said at the MPR RI Annual Session at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Wednesday, August 16.

In this context, Jokowi emphasized that the research results of one of the think tank institutions from Australia showed that international confidence in Indonesia had increased rapidly. This is because Indonesia has become one of 6 Asian countries that has experienced a comprehensive increase in power.

"The Australian think tank Lowy Institute calls Indonesia a middle power in Asia with diplomatic influence which continues to increase sharply," he said.

Even so, Jokowi regretted when there were parties who were still sneering at the trust, including various achievements during his reign.

"This is an example of spending energy on things that are not productive, but that's okay. I'm actually happy and there has to be something like this, so that it's colored and so it's not monotonous in this world," he said.

With high international trust, Jokowi said that Indonesia's credibility would be more recognized, its sovereignty would also be more respected, and Indonesia's voice would be heard more. So, in the future, Indonesia will be easier to negotiate.

"We have to take advantage of the opportunity. We lose big if we miss this opportunity, because not all countries have it and we will not necessarily have it again," he concluded.