"Under such conditions, infrastructure development is one of the strategies that provide leverage to accelerate national economic recovery," the president remarked while inaugurating the Sigli-Banda Aceh Section 4 Toll Road for the Indrapuri-Blang Bintang section in Aceh Besar District, Aceh, Tuesday, as witnessed virtually.
The president cited as an example that construction of the toll road connecting Aceh to Lampung along 2,765 kilometers will encourage economic growth and equity in Sumatra.
In addition, toll road construction can boost efficiency and workforce absorption.
The head of state remarked that despite the Indonesian nation reeling from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, infrastructure development will continue nonetheless since Indonesia still lags behind other countries in this area.
Underdeveloped infrastructure leads to the logistics costs becoming more expensive than those of other countries.
"This is what lowers our competitiveness in comparison with our neighboring countries," the president added. Related news: Aceh's toll roads should be connected to tourism centers: Jokowi
Related news: Jokowi seeks alternative funding sources for Trans-Sumatra highway
Translator: Rangga P, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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