By: Fabian Aditya Pratama )*
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is able to realize a revolution or massive transformation in infrastructure development in Indonesia. The man born in 1961 places infrastructure as the main priority of his government.
The move is not only aimed at improving connectivity, but also building a solid foundation for economic growth and the future welfare of the nation. The infrastructure revolution initiated by the Head of State aims to address regional disparities, strengthen national competitiveness, and create a more resilient and equitable economy.
The first President of the Republic of Indonesia who did not come from the elite of political parties or the military realized that strong infrastructure development would be the foundation for the nation’s progress in various sectors.
The infrastructure of toll roads, ports, airports, and digital infrastructure has continued to be expanded and improved during his two terms of leadership. One of his flagship projects is the construction of the Trans-Java and Trans-Sumatra toll roads that have connected various strategic areas. These projects accelerate the distribution of goods and services, reduce logistics costs, and increase Indonesia’s economic competitiveness in the regional and global areas.
The Trans-Java Toll Road, as one of the most ambitious projects, has now become the main backbone of land transportation on Java Island. The toll road connects major cities and industrial areas more efficiently.
Similar things are happening in Sumatra, where the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road provides better access to cities, ports, and economic centers on Indonesia’s second largest island. This development increases transportation efficiency and opens up opportunities for economic development in areas that have previously been difficult to reach.
In addition, President Jokowi also places focus on the development of ports and airports throughout Indonesia, including in remote areas. This step is taken to support the improvement of national connectivity, especially in supporting exports and imports and facilitating access for residents in isolated areas.
Patimban Port in Subang, West Java, is one example of the long-term vision of the seventh President of the Republic of Indonesia in strengthening Indonesia’s position as one of the largest maritime countries in the world. The port is designed to be the largest automotive export center in Southeast Asia, which will support the growth of the automotive industry and the national economy.
International airports are also being expanded and renovated to improve capacity and service for tourists and business people. This infrastructure strengthens the tourism sector, which has become one of the driving forces of the national economy.
Improving airport infrastructure in leading tourist destinations, such as Bali, Labuan Bajo, and Mandalika, plays an important role in attracting more foreign tourists and creating new jobs for local communities.
The government under the leadership of the man born in Surakarta City is also working hard to improve mass transportation infrastructure in urban areas. The construction of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) in Jakarta, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Jabodebek, and the revitalization of other public transportation show the government’s seriousness in reducing congestion in big cities.
This more modern and efficient transportation system is expected to not only reduce people’s dependence on private vehicles, but also support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in urban areas.
In eastern Indonesia, the infrastructure revolution initiated by the nation’s leader who has been in office since 2014 has created a significant impact. The construction of the Trans Papua Road, which is more than 4,000 kilometers long, has opened up access for people in previously isolated areas. This infrastructure increases mobility, facilitates the distribution of goods, and provides better access to public services such as education and health.
Deputy for Coordination of Education Quality Improvement and Religious Moderation, Warsito, emphasized that this better access allows for improved education quality and expands learning opportunities for people in remote areas. Infrastructure development in Papua also reflects the government’s real efforts to ensure development justice and strengthen national unity.
In the energy sector, the infrastructure revolution is also well underway. President Jokowi’s government has built power plants across Indonesia to ensure equitable access to electricity.
The 35,000 megawatt project initiated by President Jokowi aims to address electricity deficits in various regions and support industrialization. New and renewable energy is also getting serious attention, with projects such as solar and hydro power plants being built in various regions.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, sees that this massive energy infrastructure development supports economic growth by providing more stable and affordable energy.
Better energy availability encourages investment in the industrial sector and increases national productivity. Airlangga also noted that the development of energy infrastructure plays an important role in preparing Indonesia to face global challenges in the Industrial Revolution 4.0 era.
The infrastructure revolution led by President Jokowi is not only limited to physical, but also includes digital infrastructure. The Palapa Ring program, which stretches fiber optic networks across Indonesia, has succeeded in increasing internet access in various remote areas.
This better internet access supports the development of the digital economy, education, and technology-based public services. This step confirms the commitment of the seventh President of the Republic of Indonesia in preparing Indonesia to become one of the main players in the global digital economy.
President Jokowi has successfully led a comprehensive infrastructure revolution that has had a far-reaching impact on the future of the nation. This development has not only created better physical connectivity, but also built a strong foundation for economic growth, social justice, and public welfare. With advanced infrastructure, Indonesia is increasingly resilient in facing global challenges and is ready to compete in the digital economy era.
*) Contributor to Nawasena Institute
