Jakarta – Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia (FEB UI), Telisa Aulia, emphasized that infrastructure development in Indonesia has a large multiplier effect on the national economy. According to him, the labor-intensive characteristics of infrastructure in Indonesia are one of the important factors that support job creation, especially through the National Strategic Project (PSN) which is being promoted by the government.
“The impact of infrastructure is extraordinary. Many projects absorb labor, so infrastructure is not just physical development, but also plays an important role in reducing unemployment,” said Telisa Aulia.
He also highlighted the government’s encouragement of the use of Domestic Component Level (TKDN) in infrastructure development.
“The government consistently encourages development with local products. This is important to support domestic industry and maintain sustainable economic growth,” he added.
Furthermore, Telisa emphasized that infrastructure development has increased efficiency in various sectors.
“As a society, we have felt the efficiency of this infrastructure development. Mobility is smoother, economic activity is faster, and this has a direct impact on people’s welfare,” he explained.
Although infrastructure is often viewed only from a physical perspective, Telisa emphasized that the era of President Joko Widodo’s leadership has brought technological infrastructure to a higher level.
“We must not forget that infrastructure is also related to technology. In the era of Pak Jokowi, internet speed has accelerated significantly, from 4G to 5G, which really helps productivity and communication in this digital era,” he said.
According to Telisa, the development of the digital economy is also one of the main drivers of the national economy.
“The digital economy has expanded rapidly, and this is all supported by increasingly better technological infrastructure. The role of digitalization really helps the national economy, especially in increasing efficiency and competitiveness,” added Telisa.
In line with Telisa, Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Susiwijono Moegiarso, said that infrastructure development in President Jokowi’s era encouraged an inclusive economy.
“There is also downstreaming from Special Economic Zones (KEK), to date there are 22. If we look at the spread, 15 are outside Java, thus encouraging an inclusive economy. “The additional workforce has reached 122 thousand workers,” said Susiwijono.
“Our various infrastructure projects, both PSN and economic development areas, especially KEK or regions, will indeed level all sources of economic growth, especially outside Java,” he added.
“Currently, of the 22 SEZs that are operating, 15 are also outside Java, as well as several 3T areas, the government continues to encourage the development of new economic sources in border areas,” he continued.
He emphasized that the Government continues to prioritize infrastructure so that it is the most important thing to encourage economic growth.
“The design of the SEZ will be connected to the backbone of the toll road. For example, for example, the Gresik SEZ is very clear how now Freeport’s smelter, which alone has 45 T projects, absorbs more than 20 thousand workers, so we will connect it directly with the toll exit access from Manyar in Java East,” he concluded.
