TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, requested the assistance of regional governments to finish the construction of the Trans-Sumatera toll road. The President specifically requested assistance in land procurement process.

Jokowi said the biggest hurdle in the construction of the toll road is land procurement. "That is the only problem. Everywhere, if it is toll roac construction, there's always problem in land procurement," Jokowi said during the Banda Aceh-Sigli toll road construction inauguration on Friday, December 14, 2018, according to a press release.

The government has set a target to complete the Trans-Sumatera toll road from Lampung to Aceh in 2024. The total length of the toll road will be 2,700 kilometers.

A number of construction projects part of the Trans-Sumatera toll road are in the finishing phase. One of the sections that will be opened is the toll road that connects Bakauheni and Terbanggi Besar, which spans 140.8 kilometers.

Jokowi said that previously, many were not confident about the construction of the Trans-Sumatera toll road. However, with the support of many elements, including regional governments, the President is now optimistic about achieving the initial target.

Jokowi reiterated that the construction of toll roads and other infrastructures are essential for a country to be able to compete with other countries. Infrastructures, the President explained, will enable access to economic developments for many regions.

"Later, the regional government must be able to integrate the toll road with tourism regions. The toll road will also be integrated with special economy zone," the President said.

VINDRY FLORENTIN