VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has said that he wants local products to dominate businesses in rest areas along toll roads across the country.

The toll roads` rest areas must not be filled only by foreign brands, he said Boyolali, Central Java, Sunday, while inaugurating the Ngemplak toll gate.

He wanted to see more local food such as soto (soups), salted eggs, grilled tofu, tengkleng, wedang ronde and gudeg in rest areas, to demonstrate that the nation is in favor of local brands.

In addition to food and beverages, other local products must also be offered in the rest areas.

The government will provide subsidies to pay the rent for the stalls.

The President also said that construction of toll roads connecting Jakarta located in western Java , with Banyuwangi in the eastern most part of Java, is a must.

"Development must be implemented in order to face global competition and strengthen our competitiveness. If not, we will be left behind," he said.

At present, Indonesia is trying to catch up with neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam who have been advanced in their infrastructure development.

"I don`t want Indonesia to be left behind by Laos, Cambodia because we are slow in building fundamental infrastructure," he said.

President Jokowi was flanked by State Enterprise Minister Rini M Soemarno and Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basoeki Hadimoeljono on the occasion. (ANTARA)