President Jokowi asked not to consider political interests in infrastructure development

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Agus Hermanto, has called for the development of infrastructure that President Joko Widodo plans to pursue not to be affected by political interests before the presidential election of 2019.

"The best is that the development of the government is not affected by existing policies," Agus told parliament headquarters in Jakarta on Wednesday (28.11.2018).

Nevertheless, he agreed that the infrastructure development should continue even if it happens the political year.

"Everything can work in synergy and there should be no influence," he said later.

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Earlier, President Joko Widodo had said that he would accelerate the development of infrastructure, one of the interests of the 2019 election.

One of the infrastructure projects being pursued is the Trans-Sumatra toll road in the Bakauheuni-Palembang section.

President Jokowi explained that the Ministry of Public Works and Housing initially told him that the toll road was due to be completed by June 2019.

Upon hearing this information, the Chair then submitted an offer.

"I am not satisfied, can I only April (2019)," said Jokowi while delivering a speech at the CEO's meeting at JCC Senayan on Tuesday (11/27/2018).

Read also: Jokowi asks the regional chief to integrate the industrial and tourist areas to the toll road connecting Jakarta to Surabaya

"Mbok was a bit advanced in April, let me enjoy it," he said later.

In order not to misinterpret, Jokowi specified on this occasion what he meant by benefits.

"That means benefits for Lebaran (June 2019), so you can already drive from Lampung to Palembang and drive home to Lebaran, not to the elections, you have to think about this election," Jokowi said. to laugh.

Then Jokowi added "But yes (elections) too."