By: Adwi Guntur)*
Economic equality in Indonesia has been a prominent issue for the past few decades. Social and economic disparities between urban and rural areas, between Java and outside Java, and between the upper and lower classes of society, remain major challenges that need to be addressed immediately. President Prabowo has designed several strategic steps to ensure that all Indonesians can experience fair and equitable economic prosperity.
The first step that is President Prabowo’s top priority is the development of infrastructure that is evenly distributed to all corners of the country. Good and integrated infrastructure, such as highways, ports, and transportation networks, are very important in supporting economic distribution to remote areas. With adequate infrastructure, the distribution of goods and services can run more smoothly and efficiently, thus opening up economic opportunities in various regions.
Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), Erick Thohir ensured that BUMN will continue to play a role as a balancer of the Indonesian economy. This is in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to realizing economic equality. Erick asked BUMN directors to continue the people’s economy program that has been running for the past five years. With an open market, BUMN is considered capable of appearing competitive while playing a major role in protecting the people’s economy.
On the other hand, Indonesia is an agricultural and maritime country that has great potential in the agricultural and marine sectors. President Prabowo considers this sector as one of the backbones of the national economy. Therefore, the government focuses on strengthening the agricultural and marine sectors as one way to create jobs and distribute income more evenly. In the context of agriculture, President Prabowo has directed programs that provide training and support to farmers. This includes modernizing agricultural technology, providing subsidized fertilizers, and improving the quality of plant seeds. This program not only increases the productivity of the harvest, but also helps farmers to improve their standard of living.
Each region in Indonesia has its own uniqueness and economic potential. Therefore, President Prabowo emphasized the importance of an economic approach based on local potential. By utilizing the resources available in each region, the government seeks to create superior economic sectors that are relevant to the characteristics of the region. For example, in the Sulawesi and Maluku regions which are rich in marine products, the government supports the development of the fish processing industry. On the other hand, the Kalimantan and Sumatra regions which are rich in natural resources are encouraged to focus on industrial downstreaming that can increase added value. This local potential-based economic program is also designed so that local communities can become the main actors in economic development in their region. Thus, employment opportunities and income are expected to grow, thereby reducing economic inequality between urban and rural areas.
President Prabowo understands that investment is one of the main factors in advancing the regional economy. Therefore, his government continues to encourage more investors to be interested in investing in areas that have so far been less developed. This step is taken by simplifying licensing and providing incentives to investors who are willing to invest in underdeveloped areas. With the incoming investment, it is hoped that new jobs and technology transfer will open up that can boost the regional economy. In addition, the government is committed to ensuring security for investors. By ensuring political stability and security throughout Indonesia, President Prabowo hopes that investors will be more confident in investing in various areas that have great potential.
It is known that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are a very important sector in the Indonesian economy. MSMEs not only provide jobs, but also become the backbone of the regional economy. President Prabowo has instructed that more support be given to MSME actors in the form of training, access to capital, and access to markets. This MSME empowerment program is expected to increase the competitiveness of local products in domestic and international markets. The government also encourages MSMEs to utilize digital platforms in order to reach wider consumers. With increased digitalization of MSMEs, it is hoped that this sector can become more productive and effective, so that it can increase the income of small business actors in various regions.
Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria said the current government’s commitment is to develop MSMEs as a pillar supporting the national economy. There are 4 challenges in developing MSME digital adoption today, namely financial capacity, internet connection, digital skills, and limited computer devices. To encourage increased digital mastery capacity among MSME actors, his party has created a telecommunications infrastructure development program, MSME digital talent training, MSME level up assistance, and MSME business acceleration. Of course, all of this needs to be done through collaboration between the government, business community, universities, facilitators, MSME activists, and entrepreneurs.
The strategic steps taken by President Prabowo for economic equality in Indonesia reflect the government’s commitment to creating economic justice for all Indonesian people. With infrastructure development, strengthening the agricultural and marine sectors, developing an economy based on local potential, accelerating investment, educational reform, and increasing the competitiveness of MSMEs, it is hoped that economic prosperity can be felt by all levels of society, from Sabang to Merauke. The challenge in realizing economic equality is indeed not easy, but with cooperation between the government, private sector, and society, optimism to realize a more prosperous and just Indonesia is growing. Economic equality is not just about numerical growth, but about creating opportunities and prosperity for all Indonesian people.
)* The author is a postgraduate student