By: Gavin Asadit )*
The Joko Widodo (Jokowi) government for two terms has focused on development aimed at reaching all levels of society throughout Indonesia. One of the most prominent policies is massive and even infrastructure development. This infrastructure development program is not only limited to Java, but also expanded to outside Java. However, the government continues to make maximum efforts for other regions including Papua.
So far, Papua is still considered as a region that is often marginalized in the national development program in the previous government era. During President Jokowi’s era, all levels of society can enjoy the positive impact of development with the increase in several aspects, one of which is the economic aspect in society.
Infrastructure such as toll roads, bridges, airports, and ports have been built and expanded in various regions of Indonesia. This has had a significant impact on mobility and connectivity between regions, which were previously difficult to access due to limited infrastructure. For example, with the toll roads connecting various cities in Java, travel time that used to take dozens of hours can now be shortened to just 4-6 hours. This development allows for faster and easier access, not only for the benefit of local communities but also to support economic sectors such as trade and tourism.
The success and achievements of development in the Jokowi administration are recognized by many parties. Member of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Robert J Kardinal said that President Jokowi has built well, especially infrastructure throughout Indonesia in the last 10 years, the development carried out by the government in the era of President Jokowi’s leadership can truly be enjoyed by all levels of society. Infrastructure programs in the era of President Jokowi have been implemented well so as to help development and improve the community’s economy.
One concrete example of equitable development is Jokowi’s attention to Papua. One of the policies that has been most beneficial to the Papuan people is the single-price fuel policy, which allows fuel prices in Papua to be the same as other regions in Indonesia. Before this policy, fuel prices in Papua were much more expensive, resulting in high living costs and difficult access to basic needs. With this policy, the Papuan people have felt significant improvements in their quality of life and access to daily needs.
In addition, infrastructure development in Papua also includes roads, bridges, and other public facilities, which strengthen connectivity between remote areas in the province. This policy not only accelerates the distribution of goods and services, but also supports local economic growth by opening up more opportunities for industrial and trade development in the region.
Furthermore, from a number of efforts made by President Jokowi, Member of Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Willy Aditya, appreciated the achievements that President Jokowi had made during his leadership, one of the most extraordinary of which was the development of the National Capital City (IKN) of the Archipelago.
The development of a new capital city is one of the visionary projects carried out in the Jokowi era. The relocation of the capital city from Jakarta to East Kalimantan is not only a matter of physical relocation, but also a strategic effort to encourage equitable development outside Java. So far, development in Indonesia has often been centered on the island of Java, while areas outside Java have received less attention. With the existence of the IKN, it is hoped that equitable development can be realized, especially in Kalimantan which has so far been less affected by national development.
However, infrastructure is not Jokowi’s only achievement. In the legislative sector, several important breakthroughs have also been achieved, one of which is the Omnibus Law. This law aims to simplify complex regulations and accelerate investment and economic development. Although the Omnibus Law has drawn pros and cons, its effectiveness in simplifying bureaucracy and economic regulations is recognized as one of the important steps in driving national economic growth. The simplification of these regulations, in addition to infrastructure development, has helped accelerate the licensing process, attract more investors, and create new jobs in various sectors.
Jokowi’s administration has also succeeded in reducing regional disparities by prioritizing infrastructure development in previously underdeveloped areas. This is demonstrated by the construction of roads, bridges, and ports in eastern Indonesia, which were previously often isolated and difficult to reach. With better infrastructure, these areas are now better connected to major economic centers, thus having a positive impact on the local economy.
Although Jokowi’s achievements in infrastructure and legislation have been widely praised, there are still several challenges that need to be faced. Homework that still needs to be completed includes improving the quality of infrastructure project implementation in several regions, especially in areas that still need further improvement. For example, in Papua, the quality of several infrastructure projects such as national roads still needs to be improved so that they are more durable and can truly provide long-term benefits for local communities.
Jokowi’s era of development has had a significant impact on all levels of society in Indonesia. With a focus on equitable infrastructure development and legislative reform, Jokowi has succeeded in bringing Indonesia in a better direction, although challenges still remain. The infrastructure built during his administration is expected to continue to be the foundation for more inclusive and equitable economic growth in the future.
)* The author is an observer of social and community issues