REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MAGELANG -- President Joko Widodo has targeted to establish 300 suspension bridges that would connect villages in the country by 2018.

"This year, we built only some 70 bridges. Next year, we have targeted to build at least 300 (bridges), because the demand has reached thousands," the president said, after visiting Mangunsuko suspension bridge in Dukun subdistrict, Magelang, on Monday.

The 90-meter long bridge connects Mangunsuko village with Sumber village.

Also present at the occasion were Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, State Secretary Pratikno, and Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo.

"Bridges like this are badly needed, especially to connect villages or subdistricts. The number could reach thousands not only in Java Island but also outside Java. We need a lot of bridges," Widodo stated.

He expressed hope that the bridges could increase villagers' mobility and boost local economy.

"Vehicles can also pass through this bridge. Of course, it can lead to an increase in people or goods mobility. Without the bridge, they would have to take a longer route," he added.

However, he has called on the local administrations to help provide other facilities for the bridge, including lamps. "Well, the lamps could be provided by village or district administration. I have instructed the minister. Hopefully by next year, we would build at least 300 bridges."

Widodo assured that the construction was good and could endure for years.

"The construction is very good," he remarked.

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