Jokowi Demands PUPR Ministry to Monitor Infrastructure Projects

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) demands the Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Ministry tighten up its supervision on the country`s infrastructure construction projects following numerous work accidents in the past months.

The President hopes that strict supervision will be able to suppress the number of cases related to workplace accidents. “This is a detailed job, it can’t be partially supervised, it just can’t,” said Jokowi at the State Palace on Tuesday, February 20.

Read: Govt, Waskita Karya to Do Evaluation of Becakayu Toll Project

The PUPR Ministry is said to have temporarily stopped every elevated infrastructure constructions in the country, which include the light rail transit (LRT) flyover construction. President Jokowi maintains that he does not have a problem with the deadline and its relation to the Asian Games events to be held in Indonesia.

“Yes, it was the PUPR Ministry’s decision. A total evaluation is needed since there are so many projects. Some projects are targeted to be complete in 2023, 2020, and before the Asian Games,” the president said.

Read: 10 Workplace Accidents at Construction Projects in Indonesia

and: Govt Denies Recent Work Accidents Caused by Rushing Deadline

Jokowi said that work-related accidents would not happen if it were strictly supervised despite the short deadlines.

Earlier today, seven workers at the Becakayu toll road project were injured after a concrete beam that was being cast was still wet and caused the pier head segment to free-fall.

AHMAD FAIZ | SYAFIUL HADI