"Be very careful on this matter. I will monitor those who use imported goods," the president noted.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has urged the citizens to use local products to support the national development projects being implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

"Be very careful on this matter. I will monitor those who use imported goods," the president noted in his remarks during the signing of the ministrys 2016 strategic activity contracts valued at Rp3.04 trillion, here, Monday.

President Jokowi affirmed that infrastructure development projects need to set a limit on their use of imported goods and seek to replace them with local products.

Moreover, the president also urged to employ more local workforce in all project sites to improve their livelihood.

The engagement of local contractors is also a necessity for all development projects spread across the country, Jokowi emphasized.

"I want to engage the local contractors to ensure that the money is circulated in the region and does not roll back to Jakarta. The money should remain in the regions to support the local economy," the president stated.

Jokowi also called on Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said and his officials to constantly monitor the progress of the signed development projects.

"The regional heads must also take a swift decision whenever trouble arises, settle it immediately, and should not excessively discuss it," President Jokowi remarked.

On the occasion, the ministrys strategic activities comprised the construction of gas pipelines for residential areas in South Sumatra and several power plants in eastern Indonesia.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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