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Jokowi highlights achievements in infrastructure, welfare
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President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo delivers his state-of-the-nation address to the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in the Assembly's plenary session in Jakarta on Thursday. (Antara/Hafidz Mubarak)
I
n his state-of-the-nation address before members of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo highlighted his administration’s achievements in infrastructure development and social welfare programs in his fourth year since taking office.
"For almost four years, my government has fought to regain the people's trust by really working to develop the country from Sabang to Merauke, from Miangas to Rote Island, equitably and fairly," Jokowi said in the annual speech in the legislative complex on Thursday morning.
Dressed in his now signature blue suit and red tie, Jokowi said the construction of infrastructure such as toll roads, airports, and mass transit facilities had importance beyond their physical uses.
"In truth we are building civilization, building connectivity between cultures, building the infrastructure for a new culture," he said.
He also claimed that his administration had succeeded in developing Indonesia's human resources.
"We often speak of our natural resources, but we forget that Indonesia has great strength in the form of its human resources," he said. "This is the largest and strongest form of capital that we have."
He highlighted the Indonesia Smart Card and the national health insurance (JKN) scheme as examples of his achievements in the area.
The President also acknowledged that there were still strides to be made in reducing poverty, regional disparities and income inequality.
"I am certain that by really working together, our nation can accomplish this," he said.
The President is set to give two more speeches, including a state-of-the-nation address before the House of Representatives and one on the state budget. (rin)
