By: Abil Hasan*
The government of President-elect Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has set strengthening national infrastructure as one of its top priorities. This plan is the foundation for achieving sustainable development that not only focuses on urbanization but also pays attention to remote and border areas. This step reflects a commitment to improving national competitiveness and the welfare of the wider community.
One of the major steps in strengthening infrastructure is the plan to separate the housing sector from the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR). With this separation, the Prabowo-Gibran government plans to form a Ministry of Housing that will focus on the management and construction of people’s houses. PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono fully supports the plan. He believes that this separation will make the housing sector more structured and focused, given the complexity of housing management.
The program to build 3 million housing units per year initiated by Prabowo-Gibran is part of a grand strategy to overcome the housing backlog that has been a problem in Indonesia. Of the 3 million units, 2 million units will be built in rural areas through cooperation with MSMEs, cooperatives, and Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes). This approach will not only accelerate the development process but also empower the local economy. On the other hand, the construction of 1 million apartment units in urban areas will involve close cooperation between the central government and local governments, including utilizing state-owned land for the development of social housing.
Deputy Chairman of the Gerindra Party Advisory Board, Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo, emphasized that Prabowo had approved the move to separate the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Housing. According to Hashim, this is a form of real commitment from the Prabowo-Gibran government to accelerate the provision of housing for the people of Indonesia. In addition, this plan will facilitate coordination between related sectors that previously had to be integrated into one large ministry, namely PUPR.
In addition to the housing sector, infrastructure development in general remains the backbone of national development in the Prabowo-Gibran era. The new government is determined to continue the infrastructure development that has been carried out by President Joko Widodo’s government. However, there are differences in the approaches taken. Prabowo and Gibran will focus their efforts on underdeveloped areas, border areas, and remote villages that are often less touched by massive infrastructure development.
Good infrastructure is the foundation for inclusive economic growth. The construction of better roads, bridges, ports and airports in remote areas is expected to encourage more efficient movement of goods and people, thereby stimulating local economic growth. Easier access will also open up investment potential in underdeveloped sectors, such as agriculture, tourism and the creative industry.
This step has received appreciation from various parties, including political and economic observers. Pieter C. Zulkifli, a political observer, is of the opinion that Prabowo-Gibran’s policy that focuses on infrastructure will have a significant impact on Indonesia’s strategic position in the global arena. He is of the view that the Prabowo-Gibran government is required to be able to respond to every global dynamic with smart and effective policies, in order to maintain national interests. According to him, the right policy in infrastructure development can provide a double effect in improving people’s welfare and strengthening Indonesia’s position in the international market.
The Prabowo-Gibran government will also involve the active role of local governments in implementing infrastructure programs. This cooperation is considered to accelerate the realization of planned projects. One example that has been highlighted is the plan to build people’s apartments in DKI Jakarta, where land owned by PD Pasar Jaya will be used to accelerate housing development. Cooperation between the central and regional governments is expected to create better synergy in developing infrastructure in urban areas.
Not only that, the Prabowo-Gibran government is also committed to maintaining environmental sustainability in every infrastructure development project. Facing global challenges such as climate change, infrastructure development in Indonesia must be oriented towards the principles of sustainable development. That way, large projects such as toll roads, dams, and ports are not only economically beneficial but also environmentally friendly.
The decision to prioritize national infrastructure is in line with Prabowo-Gibran’s vision to realize an independent and prosperous Indonesia 2045. Strengthening infrastructure will not only create short-term economic growth, but will also strengthen the foundation of the country in the long term. Better connectivity between regions will increase people’s mobility, open up job opportunities, and strengthen national economic integration.
Amidst the various challenges faced, the Prabowo-Gibran government has shown a strong determination to prioritize infrastructure development as one of its main priorities. By involving all stakeholders, from the central government, regional government, private sector, to the community, the grand vision of building a more advanced Indonesia can be realized. Solid infrastructure is the foundation for a brighter future for the nation, and Prabowo-Gibran have put it at the forefront of their policies.
*The author is a student majoring in Planning