By: Alfisyah Kumalasari) *
The Jokowi-MA’ruf government continues to be committed to continuing infrastructure development. During 2019, the Government inaugurated a series of mega infrastructure projects to support the nation’s competitiveness. President Jokowi’s progress is not in doubt. Apart from the pros and cons of mass supporters, Jokowi was able to prove its quite capable performance. The most striking is in the infrastructure sector. He continued to boost this infrastructure project to encourage Indonesia’s competitiveness and improve connectivity.
There are a number of reasons why President Jokowi continues to sharpen infrastructure growth. One of them is in line with the creation of new jobs. In addition, infrastructure is also expected to be able to create new points of economic growth in addition to Jakarta or the island of Java. He also added, there must be improvements, especially in the logistics network through infrastructure development. Which is then connected to the production centers.
Not only that, Jokowi also built a number of mega projects such as the Jakarta MRT, Balikpapan-Samarinda Toll Road, Lampung-Palembang Toll Road, Jakarta-Cikampek Flyover Toll and others. This success should be appreciated.
Development in the road sector is considered quite important, because it is able to connect one place to another faster.
Call it the Jakarta MRT project. Short for Mass Rapid Transit or popular with the Jakarta Moda Raya Transportation was inaugurated in March. The enthusiasm of the public to welcome the latest mode is reflected during the first day of the trial of this mass vehicle. Around 4,000 people have tried MRT for free. Phase I MRT connects Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta to HI Roundabout, Central Jakarta with a distance of 15.7 km. Equipped with 13 stations (7 elevated stations and 6 underground stations), namely Lebak Bulus, Cipete Raya, Fatmawati, Haji Nawi, Blok A, Blok M BCA, Senayan, ASEAN, Istora Mandiri, Setiabudi Astra, Bendungan Hilir, Dukuh Atas BNI , and also the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout.
For phase II will continue the South North route. Namely, the HI Roundabout to Ancol through 13.3 km mileage. Phase II will begin construction when phase I is operational and is targeted to operate in 2020. The feasibility study for this phase has also been completed. Meanwhile, the West-East route is currently in the feasibility study stage. This line is targeted at the latest operating in 2024 – 2027.
Jakarta Capital City residents should be proud because the infrastructure development continues to be intensified. But that does not mean other areas are also not considered. Take a look at the Lampung – Palembang Toll Road project. Highways with the Terbanggi Besar-Pematang Panggang-Kayu Agung toll road section. With a distance of 189 kilometers (Km) it was inaugurated last November. The good news of the inauguration of this toll road is, the journey from Lampung to Palembang is only 3 hours from previously able to take up to 10 hours. Cool, right?
Interestingly again, the toll road along the total 189 km is the longest toll road ever inaugurated by President Jokowi. This toll road is expected to create a new point of economic growth. In addition, it can also create more rapid logistical network improvements.
Switching to the mega project called the Youtefa bridge in Papua which is claimed to be able to summarize the trip up to 1 hour. Or a project called the Palapa Ring which is able to make remote areas more advanced with its fast-paced internet connectivity. This popular project, called the sky toll road, has been officially opened and can be enjoyed. Project updates such as the construction of airports for remote areas also did not escape from Jokowi. Vital paths that can only be used by airplanes or helicopters are also built, to support the mobility of residents around the area.
Or look at toll roads built in a number of areas in Java. Initially sneered it turns out that now its presence is sufficiently recognized. The freeway initiated and built by Jokowi is a breakthrough to reach remote places. Including increasing the distribution of logistics needed by the community.
In fact, Jokowi is ready to partner with the land of the rising sun to build more advanced and faster infrastructure in the archipelago. Japan is a small but capable country in various sectors, even supporting Jokowi’s efforts to rebuild Indonesia. The breakthrough after breakthrough that Jokowi showed was not without reason. He is fully committed to bringing about national stability to economic equality and the welfare of all the people of Indonesia. Continue Jokowi!
) * The author is a social political observer