VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that for almost four years of his term of office, he has focused on building infrastructure as the Indonesia's foundation. Infrastructure development certainly does not only increase the productivity and competitiveness of the nation but also will grow new economic centers. This was conveyed before the Annual Session and the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in welcoming the 73rd Anniversary of Indonesia in Jakarta, Thursday, August 16, 2018.

"We must ensure that the country has really worked in taking care of and protecting the whole country and the nation. Starting in the first year of the administration, we have begun to build a solid foundation for a more advanced Indonesia. Therefore Indonesia focuses on infrastructure development as well as increases the productivity and competitiveness of the nation. The acceleration of infrastructure development is not only intended to catch up with us in infrastructure development compared to other countries. But it also fosters new economic centers that are able to provide added value to regions throughout the country. That is why infrastructure is not only built in Java but also on Sumatra Island, Kalimantan Island, Maluku Islands, Nusa Tenggara to the land of Papua," Joko Widodo said.

In addition, President Jokowi also said that development such as means of transportation is not only physical, but it should also have an impact on the people's lives. According to him, there is still a lot of misunderstanding that when we build infrastructure it is seen only from the physical side. Even though actually through this development, the Indonesian Government is building civilization, building cultural connectivity, and building new cultural infrastructure. President Jokowi also explained that infrastructure increases connectivity. As a result, not only is the economy increasingly integrated, but laso cultural relations in Indonesia can be even tighter. The development of physical infrastructure must be seen as a way to unite and accelerate cultural connectivity that can bring different cultures across the archipelago. President Jokowi also promised to continue to prepare human resources to advance Indonesia, and not only focusing on natural resources. (VOI/REZHA/AHM)