President Jokowi Unhappy with Long Dwelling Time at Ports

Belitung, Bangka-Belitung (Antara Bali) - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is incensed with Indonesian ports that have longer dwelling time than ports in neighboring countries.

"We now face competition and competitiveness. If we are unable to compete with other countries, we will lag far behind them," Jokowi said while inaugurating Tanjung Batu Port in Beltung, Bangka Belitung, on Saturday.

Dwelling time, which is the duration of handling cargoes from the time they are unloaded from a ship till they are transported out of the port, is also an indicator of competitive services at ports, he pointed out.

In addition, the head of state enquired about which agencies took the longest time to handle goods at ports.

"Thats the reason I was angry before I began observing the fasting month (three days ago). When I asked about the agencies, the answer was clear until I repeated myself several times," Jokowi remarked.

The president further noted that connectivity among islands in Indonesia was in dire need of improvement because nearly two-thirds of Indonesian territory comprises seas.

"We have some 17,000 islands. If we concentrate on land, it will be wrong on our part," he stated. (WDY)