Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has said while Indonesia has been focusing on physical infrastructure, the government will also work towards ensuring that the citizenry is mentally and emotionally strong.

He called it "inward infrastructure," vis-a-vis the physical infrastructure.

"Currently, we are focusing on physical development, but the inward infrastructure is also important (to build)," the president stated before thousands of people at a prayer event in Ancol, North Jakarta, on Saturday.

The President admitted that such "inward infrastructure" development is required as a foundation for developing sound and accomplished human resources in the country.

Therefore, he appreciated all those who have been pursuing the goal of national character while the government was focusing on improving the physical infrastructure.

He reiterated the importance of physical infrastructure development, being carried out as part of the five-year program of the government of Joko Widodo and M. Jusuf Kalla (Jokowi-JK).

" I want to say that our focus is now on physical development," reminded the president.

Under the leadership of Joko Widodo and Jusuf Kalla, Indonesia has switched from the Java-centric development pattern and shifted focus a more even development across Indonesia.

The objective is to unite the Indonesian nation that is made up of thousands of islands, from Sabang to Merauke.

"We have built toll roads from Lampung to Aceh, and work has been going on for two years. All this development should not remain confined to in Java but must be pursued outside Java. Such development needs to take place from Balikpapan to Samarinda and from Manado to Bitung. Thank God that everything has been running well. Now, people should wait for the completion of these projects," he counselled.

The infrastructure development achieved by the government is now expected to bring down the cost of transportation, and the president hopes that as a consequence, commodity prices will be more affordable in the country.

"The physical infrastructure is indeed expected to lead to cheaper transportation costs," he explained.

On the occasion, the President also expressed his gratitude to the scholars, especially of the National Awakening Party (PKB), which has initiated the program of "Nusantara Mengaji" or Quran recitation initiatives throughout Indonesia.

It is seen as being in line with the vision of the Indonesian government that wants to build a model Indonesian citizen.

Several cabinet ministers attended the event, including Minister/State Secretary Pratikno; Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Imam Nahrawi; and Manpower Minister Hanif Dhakiri, who hails from the PKB.

PKB General Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar also attended the event, which was a national friendly gathering of ulemas and the people.
 

Source: ANTARA