"Our administration is indeed complicated, complex, and sluggish, despite the cuts that have been made in the process, and its causing development to slow down," said President Widodo during the signing ceremony for a number of national, strategic/priority projects at the Presidential Palace here on Thursday.
He cited the example of the licensing process for electric infrastructure construction, where the procedure has been cut down from 59 to 22 days.
"We took out 70 percent of the procedures steps, and with only a third of the steps left, the whole process still takes a long time," he said.
The President wants the clearance process to have merely two to three steps, but it is all mandated by law.
"I would have altered the process if it was written in a Presidential Decree, but if it is all written in the law, there really is nothing I can do," he stressed.
The President also remarked that regulations and rules should not burden people and the trading industry.
"Within this week, I am erasing 3,000 regional regulations without review. I am just going to execute it," said President Widodo.
He further elaborated that the central governments effort to simplify the regulation will be ineffective if there are still regional regulations regarding licensing.
"It will be ineffective because the construction itself will be done in specific areas where the regional government is in charge," he reiterated.
A speedy development is needed and any issues that may come up in the field need to immediately be taken care of.
The President also noted that he will continue to keep an eye on the progress of these issues, in order to meet the promised target.
"Both the Vice President and I have each got a check list of completed proceedings, as well as ones that need to be completed. When we get the opportunity to sit down together, we match up our lists," he explained.
President Widodo also hoped that the process does not stop at signing ceremonial decrees, but is effective in ensuring that projects are be carried out immediately. That way, the people can enjoy the benefits sooner.
During the event, the President also witnessed the symbolic Financial Close inauguration of the Batang power plant from Japan Bank International Corporation (JBIC) to PT Bhimasena Power Indonesia (BPI), the handover of Certificate of CP Completion Financial Date from State-Owned Electric Corporation (PLN) to BPI, and the handover of an effective statement of the governments guarantee from the Ministry of Finance and PT Indonesian Infrastructure Guarantor (PII-Persero) to PT BPI.
He also acted as witness to the toll roads authorization between the head of Toll Road Regulatory Agency (BPJT), with the Toll Road Agency (BUJT) for Manado-Bitung, Balikpapan-Samarinda, Pandaan-Malang, Serpong-Balaraja, and Terbanggi-Kayu Agung routes.
A cooperation agreement between PT PII and BUJT for Manado-Bitung, Balikpapan-Samarinda and Pandaan-Malang routes was also signed.
Lastly, there was also a recourse agreement between the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) and PT PII for Manado-Bitung, Balikpapan-Samarinda, and the Pandaan-Malang routes.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
