Quality of Local Innovations Has Improved: President Jokowi

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - President Joko Widodo has said the quality of local technology innovations has improved and has a great potential to be developed as a high economic value sector.

The President was attending the National Innovation Day celebration at Science and Technology Research Center in Serpong, Tangerang City, Banten Province, on Monday.

President Jokowi noted that products developed using local technology, including cellular phones made by Indonesians, can compete with imported cell phones.

"I have found a cellular phone made in Batam. I urge the Indonesian people to use locally manufactured phones. The brand name of the phone is Bolt and it is priced at Rp1.5 million and offers 3 years guarantee," Jokowi remarked.

The President stressed that similar products will be produced by local people if they get adequate research funds and special incentives from the government. "Yes, we can provide research incentives as it is our responsibility to support local firms," the President observed.

Jokowi stated that research funds for the Indonesian Science Agency will be increased. He expressed hope that funds can help develop products that will have economic values and will benefit people in the long term. Jokowi added that to assist local production companies, the government will buy several products that have financial values and are mass produced. (WDY)