Supporting the Sustainability of National Strategic Projects for Economic Recovery
By: Edi Jatmiko )*
When Corona attacked Indonesia, many projects were abandoned, due to the adoption of the Large-Scale Social Limitation (PSBB) and social distancing rules. Now when the new era begins, the national strategic project will start again. There are 11 projects proposed to be continued, including toll road construction, and is expected to be able to restore the economy because it is supported by adequate infrastructure.
Indonesia is indeed still in a pandemic, but now some rules have been relaxed somewhat since the new era began. We do not have to stay at home and may move again even though we have to wear a mask. This new rule also makes entrepreneurs breathe freely, because it can resume construction on projects that were delayed.
Indeed, the projects were abandoned due to the PSBB regulations and the workers decided to return home. However, with a little leeway in the new era, the national strategic project can run again. There are at least 11 projects proposed to be started again, including coal processing projects and the construction of toll roads that connect between Kediri and Tulungagung.
The proposed 11 national strategic projects were put forward in a coordination meeting attended by several officials, including Minister of Airlangga Hartarto and Minister of Luhut Pandjaitan. In the virtual meeting the projects were discussed which should be prioritized. It is hoped that the project can revive the Indonesian economy which had collapsed because of the co-19 pandemic.
Acting Deputy for Investment and Mining Coordination at the Ministry of Maritime and Investment, Hario Seto, issued a press release containing proposed projects that could meet the requirements of PSN (national strategic project). His party has been in contact with the Commission for the Acceleration of Priority Infrastructure Development, in order to be able to choose which projects are the most urgent. Of course, not all development projects in Indonesia are included in the national strategic project criteria, because there are too many of them and not necessarily all of them must be continued right now.
When a project is considered appropriate to be a national strategic project, then the assessment is in terms of the impact on the economy. For example, if there is a toll road project, it certainly affects the smooth distribution so that it can directly improve the economic field. In addition, the assessment is also from funding, investors and financial capabilities, and also how a project can meet the urban spatial rules.
These strict requirements must be adhered to, so that projects that are made into national strategic projects are truly useful for all the people of Indonesia. Do not let this project sustainability event become a moment to enrich the person who wants to corrupt money from the investor. Or even harm urban planning and cause floods and other disasters.
One project that became a proposal to become a national strategic project was in the industrial area of Obi Island. There is a smelter project that began in 2016. The project is proposed to be a PSN because the majority of investors are entrepreneurs from Indonesia. The investment value is 1 billion USD.
Another project that is predicted to be able to pass and enter the national strategic project category is the toll road that connects between Kediri and Tulungagung. If there is a toll road, of course the trip will be closer. So that the delivery of goods between cities can be more smooth and the economy also increases.
The national strategic project launched by the government is an attempt to continue the project that was delayed due to the co-19 pandemic. There are 11 types of projects proposed, ranging from smelters, industrial park development, to inter-city toll roads. When the project has been continued and succeeded, then the economy will automatically improve, because it absorbs many workers and also expedites infrastructure.
)* Active writer in the Jakarta Press Circle and Students