Infrastructure development is vital part of cultural strategy: President Jokowi

Denpasar (Antaranews Bali) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) opined that the development of various infrastructure across the country is a significant part of the cultural strategy to face current and future challenges.

"When we build physical infrastructure, such as toll roads, airport, mass rapid transit (MRT), and light rapid transit (LRT), we, in fact, develop a civilization, cultural connectivity, and cultural infrastructure," he noted while delivering a general lecture to thousands of students of the Indonesian Institute of Arts here, Saturday.

The nationwide development of infrastructure, such as Trans-Papua, Trans-Sumatra, and Trans-Kalimantan highways; toll roads; and airports, by the government should not merely be viewed as physical infrastructure construction, he emphasized.

"Do not see it as just economic development. Many people misunderstand it. Infrastructure development is a significant part of the development of cultural infrastructure, which will strengthen the unity of 714 tribes in Indonesia," he stated.

Physical development will unite every component of the nation, accelerate cultural connectivity, and facilitate different cultures to meet, he added.

"Thus, we will feel strongly that we are one nation and one country and inspire one another," he remarked.

Development carried out in isolated and outermost regions of Indonesia will help build national character.

"Our brothers and sisters in those regions must feel that they are part of Indonesia, one nation, one country, and they must feel proud of being citizens of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI)," he affirmed.

The development of LRT and MRT also means the development of civilization and a new culture of harboring love for means of mass transportation and punctuality.

The president, however, reiterated that infrastructure development must be followed by improvement in the quality of human resources that must be creative and competent as well as have sound character and outlook. (WDY)