By: Aulia Hawa )*
The infrastructure achievements that have been intensified by the government of President Joko Widodo’s era have been evenly distributed because there are always developments in various corners of the archipelago. This allows for an even distribution of the community’s economy, so it deserves high appreciation.
Since the leadership of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), one of the main focuses has been how to continue to develop infrastructure, while also continuing to develop superior human resources (HR). Regarding the development of infrastructure itself, the government is trying very hard to be able to connect one area to another.
An example is infrastructure development to be able to connect production areas with distribution areas, including tourist areas. All of them are intended so that the nation’s economy can run as it should because economic activity will continue to occur. Not only that, but it also benefits the whole community because it will be able to open up many jobs for the community to earn a living.
The government itself will continue to strive to be consistent, especially regarding the achievements of infrastructure development development. Deputy Secretary General of the Indonesian Engineers Association (PII), Andira Reoputra, firmly stated that since Indonesia was led by President Jokowi, progress in the infrastructure sector has been very beneficial, even for the entire community, whether directly or indirectly.
With these findings in the field, according to him, it has become concrete evidence that the government has been very consistent since the beginning of its office, and has stated that it will focus on these things, especially infrastructure. As stated by President Jokowi, that infrastructure development itself is very focused because it will become the backbone of the national economy. So it is not surprising that so many infrastructure projects have been implemented or are currently still running in the Jokowi cabinet era.
Furthermore, Andira added that indeed infrastructure is one of the most important variables, especially for the Indonesian economy itself. How not, because with adequate infrastructure ownership, this will be one of the reasons for investors to consider whether this country is indeed a suitable place to invest or not.
When the achievement of infrastructure development is very good in the era of President Jokowi as it is today, it is not surprising that investors are very interested and excited to be able to invest their capital in the country even to various sectors such as agriculture, industry, property, trade, the derivation of which is to hoist investment. services, finance and telecommunications sectors, as well as creating new job opportunities.
All of these investors’ beliefs cannot be separated from the existence of very adequate infrastructure development in Indonesia. Because according to Andira, if a country has adequate infrastructure, then it is clear that investment in that country will automatically move forward, so that it will automatically be able to create new points of economic growth, including also stimulating the improvement of logistics networks or the quality of National Logistics System.
According to Andira, when President Jokowi led with Vice President Jusuf Kalla alone, for example, in four years it was recorded that 3,432 km of road projects had been realized, 947 km of toll roads, 39.8 km of bridges, and 134 units of suspension bridges. In addition, there are 10 new airports (airports) built during the Joko Widodo-Jusuf Kalla administration, such as Miangasm Ketung, Tebeliang, Maratua, Morowali, Namniwel, Weru and Koroway Batu Airports.
Meanwhile, in the second period of President Jokowi’s leadership of this country, or if a total of about 8 years of his leadership, indeed progress in the infrastructure sector has been very well in line with the target so far. According to him, infrastructure cannot be underestimated at all because it will be able to create growth for social-economic equity for all Indonesian people.
On another occasion, Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting (SMRC) Program Manager, Saidiman Ahmad stated that not only the Indonesian people are aware of the rapid progress of infrastructure in the era of President Jokowi, but even some observers from abroad have also given their appreciation for all the achievements. Jokowi, especially in the economic sector including infrastructure development.
There is an article written by one of the National University of Singapore professors, Kishore Mahbubani, which states that President Jokowi is indeed a genius leader because he is considered quite successful in reducing social inequality in society through many work programs that strongly defend the interests of the people.
Mahbubani even admitted that the economic reforms carried out by Indonesia since being led by President Jokowi were quite successful. Not without reason, but indeed there are many indicators of data and success that show that the economic reforms are very successful, including the issuance of the Job Creation Law to how massive infrastructure development in various regions in Indonesia has created equity.
As an Indonesian society, it is fitting to be able to give high appreciation for how the government has performed so far, especially in the field of infrastructure achievements because many experts have acknowledged it, including professors from other countries. With the improvement in infrastructure, it is also one of the reasons why Indonesia’s economic fundamentals are still very strong even though the world is threatened by inflation and recession.
)* The author is a contributor to the Pertiwi Institute