"The number (of certificates) is too small. I ask Mr. Public Works and Housing Minister to increase the number to ten fold next year. In global competition, such certificates are badly needed to operate heavy duty equipment, install light steels, and build irrigation networks," the president said at JIExpo Jakarta on Wednesday.
The head of state made the remarks while handing over certificates of competence to representatives of 10 thousand construction workers across the country.
The certification of 10 thousand construction workers was part of a series of activities to highlight Indonesia Infrastructure Forum and Inter-traffic Indonesia 2018.
"The specialization is very important for us to show that have skills. Our skills must not lose to those of other countries," he said.
In the past four years, the government has focused on developing infrastructures including toll roads, highways, railway lines, airports, dams, reservoirs, and cross border check points, he said.
"All of these are intended to increase connectivity, break isolation, create convenient and cheap transportation modes and cut logistics costs. The construction of infrastructures will not only expedite economic development but also unite Indonesia because the people of Aceh can work in Papua," he said.
This means that the infrastructure development can unite Indonesia and create social justice for the entire Indonesian nation, he said.
"So it must be viewed not only from economic matters but also from efforts to unite this nation and create social justice for the entire Indonesian nation," he said.
"Without construction industry, civil engineers, and architects like you, I am sure the government`s programs to build infrastructures will not work" he said.
Reporting by Desca Lidya Natalia
Reporter: Suharto
Editor: Otniel Tamindael
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
