By: Eva Kalyna Audrey )*
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has made many major transformations in infrastructure development throughout Indonesia. The man born in Surakarta City made infrastructure development a top priority for his government to strengthen connectivity between regions and unite the archipelago.
This step not only focuses on physical development, but also aims to create a solid foundation for national economic growth and public welfare in the future.
The strategic projects carried out by the government under the leadership of the man born in 1961 cover various sectors, from land, sea, air transportation, to digital infrastructure.
One of the most prominent projects is the construction of the Trans-Java and Trans-Sumatra toll roads, which have succeeded in connecting various provinces more efficiently. These toll roads accelerate the distribution of goods and services and facilitate mobility of people in various regions.
These projects not only shorten travel time, but also significantly reduce logistics costs, which ultimately drives regional and national economic growth.
The Trans-Java Toll Road has become one of the symbols of infrastructure progress in Indonesia. This toll road connects major cities in Java Island, including Jakarta, Surabaya, and Semarang, as well as other strategic industrial areas.
Better connectivity between these economic centers has encouraged increased investment and strengthened Indonesia’s competitiveness on the international stage. In Sumatra, the Trans-Sumatra toll road also plays an equally important role in improving inter-provincial connectivity, accelerating the flow of goods and services, and strengthening national economic integration.
In the maritime transportation sector, the construction and development of ports is a major focus to support Indonesia as an archipelagic country. President Jokowi realizes that efficient ports are key to facilitating the flow of exports and imports, as well as ensuring connectivity between regions throughout the Indonesian archipelago.
Patimban Port in Subang, West Java, is one of the strategic projects designed to increase export capacity, especially in the automotive sector. The port is expected to become a major hub for motor vehicle exports to the international market, strengthening Indonesia’s position as a major player in the global automotive industry.
In addition, airport revitalization and development projects in various regions are also being carried out to increase air transportation capacity. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali, and Kualanamu Airport in Medan, have been expanded to accommodate the increasing number of passengers and international flights.
This step is important in supporting the tourism sector, which is one of the mainstay sectors in national economic growth. Under the leadership of the seventh President of the Republic of Indonesia, the development of airports in remote areas also received special attention to ensure more equitable access to transportation throughout Indonesia.
The 63-year-old Head of State also encouraged the development of mass transportation infrastructure in urban areas. The development of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) in Jakarta is one of the major breakthroughs in overcoming traffic congestion and increasing transportation efficiency in the capital city. MRT Jakarta is an icon of modernization of urban transportation that is environmentally friendly and comfortable for the community.
In addition, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) which connects Jakarta with satellite cities such as Bekasi and Bogor also provides a solution for more integrated public transportation.
In an effort to create wider connectivity, the government is also implementing the Palapa Ring project, which stretches a fiber optic network across Indonesia. This project aims to ensure equal internet access to remote areas of the country, support the development of the digital economy, and improve access to public services and education.
The digital infrastructure built during the leadership of the nation’s leader who has been in office since 2014 has played an important role in preparing Indonesia to face the Industrial Revolution 4.0 era.
Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Spokesperson Haryo Limanseto saw that this massive infrastructure development has created a broad economic impact. Strategic projects run by the government not only accelerate economic growth, but also open up new jobs and increase Indonesia’s competitiveness in the global arena. The infrastructure development projects also play an important role in strengthening Indonesia’s economic resilience amidst increasingly complex global challenges.
Expert Staff for Technology, Industry, and Environment, as well as Spokesperson for the PUPR Ministry, Endra S. Atmawidjaja, stated that infrastructure development in the era of President Jokowi is not only about building roads, ports, and airports, but also creating sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructure.
This infrastructure development program pays attention to sustainability aspects by using modern technology and taking into account environmental impacts. The construction of dams, solar power plants, and other green infrastructure is an important part of ensuring that the development carried out does not damage the environment, but instead supports the sustainability of natural resources in the future.
In addition, infrastructure development also creates equality between regions. Road, bridge, and public facility development programs in remote areas, such as Papua and East Nusa Tenggara, open up previously closed access and accelerate economic development in these areas. The Trans Papua Road, as one of the largest infrastructure projects in eastern Indonesia, has created a significant positive impact on the economy and welfare of the Papuan people.
President Jokowi has demonstrated a strong commitment to building infrastructure as a foundation for the nation’s future. Strategic projects implemented during his leadership have strengthened connectivity between regions, increased economic efficiency, and created new opportunities for industrial growth and other sectors. With increasingly advanced infrastructure, Indonesia is increasingly ready to face global challenges and carve out a brighter future.
*) Analyst at Lintas Nusamedia Institute