Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has called on Abdul Gani Kasuba, the North Maluku governor-elect for the 2019-2024 term, to carry forward infrastructure development in his region.

"His special message is to be alert, so that you are heedful of the people's needs. The second message is to channel efforts on the tasks ahead. Anything that we can continue, we will do," Kasuba remarked after his inauguration at the Jakarta State Palace on Friday.

Some of the projects are yet incomplete, as they are currently being implemented in Morotai where land acquisition problems are hindering development, and it will become the focus of attention.

Kasuba ensured that the project had begun to run despite it not yet being completed.

"It has now started. Projects in special economic zones, tourism and fisheries facilities have also begun," he stated.

Some investors also expressed interest in investing.

"From the provincial capital to the North Maluku Airport, God willing, we will continue the construction. I asked the President directly, so that a highway is built between the capital and airport. Some 100 km, we can take the expressway in 45 minutes," he noted.

Kasuba, who is holding his second term as governor, admitted to infrastructure development in North Maluku Province not yet being completed.

"We have not resolved problems linked to the road, Halmahera ring, around the district/city, and some islands have yet to be completed. In the next term of the president and also mine and my deputy's, the project will be continued. Moreover, we should prioritize education programs, universities, and human resources. We also have resources and tourism potentials, which are extraordinary, and we are developing them," he noted.

The president asked Gani to pay attention to the interests of the people.

Translator: Eliswan Azly
Editor: Bambang Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019