Infrastructure Development and Major Transformation as a Valuable Legacy of President Jokowi
By: Bambang Prasetyo
Since taking office as the seventh President of Indonesia in 2014, Joko Widodo has demonstrated a strong commitment to infrastructure development across the country. This massive development not only focuses on improving connectivity between regions but also aims to create a solid foundation for the national economy. These steps are also part of a significant transformation as a legacy of President Joko Widodo’s leadership over the past two terms or 10 years.
The 63-year-old Head of State realizes that infrastructure development is key to driving a country’s progress. Therefore, the man born in the city of Surakarta prioritizes the development of toll roads, airports, ports, and railway lines that connect various regions.
One of the largest projects is the construction of the Trans-Java and Trans-Sumatra toll roads, which facilitate the mobility of goods and people between provinces, thereby increasing logistics efficiency and reducing distribution costs. This infrastructure also supports the growth of other sectors, such as tourism and manufacturing, which are increasingly developing thanks to the ease of transportation access.
In addition to toll roads, the Head of State is also focusing attention on the development of ports and airports in remote areas, including in eastern Indonesia. This is done to ensure that all regions, especially those far from economic centers, can be integrated into national development.
President Jokowi sees the importance of eliminating regional disparities as a crucial requirement for creating a fairer and more equitable Indonesia. One of President Jokowi’s major achievements is the construction of Patimban Port in Subang, West Java, which is designed to become the largest port in Southeast Asia.
The port plays a crucial role in boosting exports, particularly in the automotive sector, and strengthening Indonesia’s position in international trade. This development demonstrates the far-sighted vision of the seventh President of Indonesia in preparing the country to compete in the global era.
In the public transportation sector, the government led by the nation’s leader who has been in office since 2014 has also recorded rapid progress. The development of the MRT in Jakarta, the LRT Jabodebek, and the revitalization of other mass transportation modes are concrete efforts to reduce urban congestion and decrease dependence on private vehicles. This modern public transportation infrastructure is expected to improve the quality of life for urban communities and support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The development of equitable and inclusive infrastructure is also very noticeable in Papua, a region that has often lagged behind in terms of development. Under President Jokowi’s leadership, Papua has become one of the priorities in national infrastructure development.
The Trans Papua Road, stretching 4,330 kilometers, has become a monumental project that connects various previously isolated regions in Papua. The development not only brings positive impacts to the local economy but also strengthens Papua’s integration into the national development framework, as well as reinforcing the unity and cohesion of the nation.
In the energy sector, President Jokowi is also encouraging the construction of power plants in various regions to address the energy deficit issue and ensure equitable access to electricity throughout Indonesia.
Fossil and renewable energy-based power generation projects have been established to meet the ever-increasing national energy demand. This man, born in the city of Surakarta, also promotes the development of new and renewable energy as part of his commitment to the environment and sustainability.
One concrete step is the construction of Solar Power Plants (PLTS) in several regions, as well as hydropower plants that utilize Indonesia’s water resource potential.
The Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, emphasized that the government continues to carry out infrastructure development in a fair and equitable manner. For example, the development of National Strategic Projects (PSN) in infrastructure not only focuses on logistics costs but also enhances competitiveness, especially in realizing equitable development for the sake of social justice.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Public Works and Housing, Basuki Hadimuljono, believes that the acceleration of sustainable and disaster-resilient infrastructure development can clearly drive economic growth.
The success of infrastructure development during Jokowi’s era is also supported by bureaucratic reforms that prioritize efficiency and transparency. The investment licensing acceleration program implemented by the government, including the Online Single Submission (OSS), has facilitated the licensing process for investors, thereby encouraging the influx of both foreign and domestic investment. This creates a more competitive business environment and supports national economic growth.
President Jokowi also does not forget the importance of digital infrastructure. In the midst of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, the leaders of this nation prioritize the development of an equitable internet network throughout Indonesia, including in remote areas.
The Palapa Ring program, which extends fiber optic networks to various regions, has successfully improved internet access in areas that have long been hard to reach. This digital infrastructure has become the backbone for the rapidly growing digital economy in Indonesia.
Infrastructure development during President Jokowi’s era is not just about physical construction, but also about building connectivity and opportunities for all Indonesian people. The steps taken by Jokowi have successfully strengthened the economic foundation, created new opportunities, and reinforced national unity. With advanced infrastructure, Indonesia is becoming more resilient in facing global challenges and is ready to compete on the international stage.
*) Public Policy Observer, Persada Institute
