President Jokowi Explains Four Important Things in Connectivity Development

Thepresidentpost.id - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) attended the High Level Forum with the theme "Connectivity in an Open Global Academy" at the China National Convention Center, Beijing, on Wednesday (18/10/2023). 

In his speech, the President said that there are four important things in building connectivity in a country.

“First, it must provide economic benefits. Second, it must be done evenly and inclusively. "Thirdly, we must pay attention to sustainability aspects, and fourthly, we must support human resource development and technology transfer," explained the President.

President Jokowi considers that these four things are the basis for Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation for connectivity development.

"So BRI can be a solution for developing connectivity and contributing to peace in the region to create shared prosperity," he said.

On this occasion, the Head of State also explained a number of connectivity developments that Indonesia had carried out over the last nine years. The President believes that developing connectivity is a path to prosperity for a country.

"During the nine years until the end of 2023, Indonesia will build more than two thousand kilometers of toll roads, and also build non-toll roads, new ports and new airports," he explained.

Apart from building large infrastructure, President Jokowi also said that Indonesia is also building connectivity through the construction of small infrastructure spread across all villages in the country.

"There are more than 320 thousand kilometers of village roads, 1.7 million meters of bridges, and so on," he continued.

Apart from building physical connectivity, the President said that Indonesia also continues to expand digital connectivity to reach the outermost areas or borders. Apart from that, construction of community service facilities is also continuing to be built, such as health and education facilities.

"All of this can boost Indonesia's economic competitiveness and investment, as well as being fundamental to strong and sustainable growth," he stressed.

Also accompanying the President were the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises as Ad Interim Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Erick Thohir, Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, and the Indonesian Ambassador to the PRC Djauhari Oratmangun. (BPMI SETPRES/AIT)