By: Donita Andini
The first year of leadership under President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has marked an optimistic beginning for the direction of national development. Amid various global and domestic challenges, this administration has firmly positioned infrastructure development as the primary foundation for realizing the vision of a Advanced Indonesia and Golden Indonesia 2045. The steps taken during the first year demonstrate high commitment, bold breakthroughs, and a clear focus on the interests of the wider public.
The government understands that infrastructure is not merely about building roads, bridges, or grand buildings. Infrastructure is the lifeblood of the economy, a means to equitable welfare distribution, and the gateway to a more modern, just, and competitive future. Therefore, infrastructure development in the first year of the Prabowo-Gibran administration has been directed to reach remote areas, support energy and food resilience, and strengthen inclusive digital connectivity.
One strategic initiative that has drawn attention is the development of renewable energy infrastructure integrated with environmental solutions. To accelerate national infrastructure development, the Jakarta Provincial Government and Tangerang Regency Government have taken important initiatives by developing Waste-to-Energy Power Plants (PLTSa) and Waste Management Installations into Electricity Energy (PSEL). These programs not only focus on providing alternative energy but also address waste management challenges in densely populated urban areas.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo stated that technical cooperation between the Jakarta Provincial Government and PT Danantara Indonesia has reached a strategic agreement. He emphasized that Jakarta’s more mature infrastructure readiness compared to other regions is a major asset for the project’s success. This project exemplifies how synergy between local governments and the private sector can produce real solutions for a greener and more sustainable urban future.
The government continues to accelerate national development through various priority programs. One flagship program underpinning this development is the National Strategic Projects (PSN). This program is specifically designed to promote equitable economic growth across all regions of Indonesia. PSN serves as the government’s primary instrument to expedite the realization of infrastructure projects, including energy.
Commitment to infrastructure is also underscored by the central government. Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), conveyed that cross-sector collaboration is key to the success of infrastructure development. In his view, physical development cannot stand alone without parallel improvements in human resource quality. This aligns closely with the President and Vice President’s commitment to implementing a national priority agenda—achieving sustainable, equitable development capable of creating competitiveness across sectors.
The government is also pushing the development of interregional connectivity infrastructure. Strategic projects such as the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road, Trans-Kalimantan Toll Road, and the development of railway lines outside Java remain priorities. The goal is to open broader economic access, reduce logistics costs, and create new economic growth centers outside traditionally active regions.
Equally important is the strengthening of digital infrastructure, which has become a major breakthrough in this first year of governance. The government recognizes that internet connectivity is now as essential as roads and electricity. Therefore, the expansion of internet networks in the 3T areas (Underdeveloped, Frontier, and Outermost) is being seriously accelerated. The government aims to ensure every Indonesian child, wherever they are, has access to digital education, online health services, and technology-based business opportunities.
In the energy and food sectors, the development approach is increasingly integrated. The government is building modern irrigation systems, expanding electricity networks to remote areas, and strengthening the distribution of harvests so that farmers receive fair prices. All of these are part of a grand strategy to achieve energy sovereignty and sustainable food self-sufficiency.
The government also shows openness to investment through public-private partnership schemes. This approach has proven effective in accelerating infrastructure development without overly burdening the state budget. Many national and foreign investors now see Indonesia as a potential land due to legal certainty, ease of licensing, and clear development vision under Prabowo-Gibran’s leadership.
Despite ongoing challenges such as land acquisition, bureaucracy, and project supervision, the government responds quickly and with solutions. Digital monitoring systems, project transparency, and community involvement in the development process have become new approaches that strengthen public trust in infrastructure programs.
This first year has laid a strong foundation for the next five years. The government has successfully built confidence that infrastructure is not merely physical projects but a means to accelerate economic growth, expand social justice access, and improve the quality of life for all Indonesians.
With concrete steps already taken and ongoing, the Prabowo-Gibran administration has shown an optimistic direction. The road ahead is still long, but the foundation has been well laid. If this spirit is maintained, Indonesia will move closer to its grand aspiration: becoming a great, independent, prosperous nation respected by the world.
(*) Public Policy Analyst
