By: Putri Dewi Nathania)*
The President of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has led this nation to witness a very major transformation, especially in the field of infrastructure during his leadership in the last decade.
Since taking office in 2014, President Jokowi has been committed to realizing development that is not only centered on Java Island, but also covers the entire archipelago.
The Indonesia-centric vision he carries aims to create equitable development from Sabang to Merauke, including the most remote, outermost, and underdeveloped regions (3T). This commitment is not only seen from physical development, but also how infrastructure becomes the driving force of the national economy.
One of the priority sectors in realizing Indonesiasentris is connectivity and mobility. Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Susiwijono Moegiarso, said that infrastructure development over the past 10 years has succeeded in strengthening national connectivity.
Airports, ports, and railways built in various regions of Indonesia are key to facilitating the flow of goods and mobility of people. In addition, the development of energy, dams, and food estates with irrigation networks also support national food security. The 53 dams that have been completed reflect efforts to maintain food sovereignty and minimize dependence on imports.
The development of Special Economic Zones (KEK) is another proof of President Jokowi’s efforts in creating inclusive economic growth. To date, 22 KEKs have been operational, 15 of which are outside Java.
This step not only opens up opportunities for regions outside Java to grow economically, but also absorbs local workers. In the last decade, as many as 122 thousand workers have been absorbed through the KEK, and this number continues to grow along with the completion of other infrastructure projects. In various border areas, such as Jayapura and the border with Timor Leste, the infrastructure that has been built has been able to boost the local economy.
The National Strategic Project Program (PSN) also plays a major role in driving massive infrastructure development. Over time, the PSN list continues to be updated through Presidential Decrees and other related regulations.
By the end of 2024, as many as 233 PSN infrastructure projects are targeted for completion, although some projects are multi-year and are still in the completion stage. From toll road construction to industrial area development, the infrastructure built by President Jokowi’s administration is the backbone of economic growth, especially outside Java.
In addition to the physical aspect, the impact of infrastructure development on economic growth is also very significant. According to Susiwijono, the construction sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached 10 percent, with consumption growth in the first half of 2024 reaching 7.5 percent.
This shows how infrastructure development has become a major driver in maintaining national economic growth above 5 percent. With a large multiplier effect, the infrastructure sector is closely linked to other sectors, so it is able to drive the economy as a whole.
In the field of education and health, the government also continues to allocate a large budget for these basic services. In 2025, the government will still allocate more than IDR 400 trillion in the State Budget (APBN) to support various infrastructure projects.
These projects will not only complete the construction that has been underway for a decade, but will also optimize the use of dams, irrigation networks, and toll roads that have been completed.
Meanwhile, from an academic perspective, Professor of FEB UI, Telisa Aulia Falianty, gave the view that infrastructure development over the past decade has had a major impact on the Indonesian economy.
One important aspect of this development is job creation, especially given the labor-intensive nature of infrastructure in Indonesia. In addition, the government also encourages the use of domestic products through the Domestic Component Level (TKDN), which in turn strengthens local industries, such as the cement and transportation industries.
In addition to physical development, technology is also an important aspect in President Jokowi’s efforts to improve national infrastructure. The acceleration of internet services from 4G to 5G has facilitated communication and productivity, while digital transformation in various sectors has helped maintain economic growth. Telisa emphasized that infrastructure is not just about physical buildings, but also includes technology that supports productivity and efficiency.
President Jokowi’s leadership for a decade has succeeded in laying a strong foundation for national development. With increasingly integrated infrastructure, areas that were once difficult to reach are now easier to access, and people’s needs can be better met. In fact, the single fuel price applied throughout Indonesia is one of the great achievements that has never been realized before.
Meanwhile, President-elect Prabowo Subianto also appreciated President Jokowi’s leadership. According to the Minister of Defense, President Jokowi has a far-sighted view, especially in connecting infrastructure development with improving the community’s economy, especially the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector.
President Jokowi’s legacy in infrastructure development does not stop here. The next administration has a big challenge to continue what has been pioneered over the past decade, by utilizing the infrastructure to drive more inclusive economic growth. Good infrastructure is the foundation for better education and health, and the key to a more prosperous and advanced Indonesia in the future.
)* The author is a contributor to the Perkasa Media Institute