Jokowi made the statement while inaugurating four bus terminals, namely Purworejo Terminal in Purworejo District, Mendolo Terminal in Wonosobo District, Purboyo Terminal in Madiun City, and Patria Terminal in Blitar City, from Purworejo, Central Java, Tuesday.
"I ask the transportation minister to also take care of all bus terminals in Indonesia. They should have the same standard," the president noted in his remarks monitored online from Jakarta.
The head of state emphasized that bus terminals must forgo their old image and be able to support the economic development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
"In the past, bus terminal's image was associated with thuggery. For now, the bus terminal is a place of service and provides support for improving the economy of MSMEs. Everyone must be involved in it," he emphasized.
He remarked that the existence of mass transportation must be encouraged, as traffic jams in all cities in Indonesia are worsening due to the increasing number of private vehicles.
"These complaints must be responded to. In Jakarta, we already have an MRT, LRT, and commuter line. The Jakarta-Bandung high speed train also helps to support connectivity," he remarked.
Despite several pros and cons in developing transportation, such as in the construction of high-speed trains, the president said that cities in Java will be connected as agglomeration areas.
Without an appropriate mass transportation sector, cities in Java will experience severe congestion, he noted.
"That could happen if we do not develop proper public transport," he cautioned.
Jokowi then lauded the construction of four terminals by the Ministry of Transportation in Purworejo, Wonosobo, Madiun, and Blitar.
According to the president, construction of the four terminals will support transportation facilities and infrastructure and improve connectivity between cities, districts, and provinces.
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Translator: Rangga Pandu A J, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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