Appreciating the Acceleration of Infrastructure and Human Resources Development by President Joko Widodo
By : Gavin Asadit )*
President Joko Widodo, since the beginning of his administration, has made infrastructure development and human resource (HR) development a top priority on the national agenda. In his 2025 State Revenue and Expenditure Budget Plan (RAPBN) speech, President Jokowi emphasized the significant achievements in these two sectors, which have had a positive impact on the economy and welfare of the Indonesian people. Appreciation of this achievement is important to understand how President Jokowi’s vision and policies have changed Indonesia’s development landscape in the last decade.
One of the main pillars in President Jokowi’s agenda is accelerating infrastructure development. In his speech, the President highlighted several important achievements that demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving and expanding infrastructure networks throughout Indonesia. Among these achievements is the construction of toll roads, ports and airports that connect various regions in the archipelago. Good infrastructure not only accelerates the mobility of goods and services but also supports regional economic development.
The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, said that Indonesia had successfully faced various tough challenges, starting from the Covid-19 pandemic, global geopolitical turmoil, to climate change. Despite being hit by a number of uncertainties, Indonesia’s political and economic conditions remain stable and able to grow sustainably. Indonesia’s economic growth is always maintained at around 5 percent, higher than the global average growth of 3.4 percent.
One of the main projects is the construction of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road, which connects the northern to southern tip of the island of Sumatra. This toll road has helped reduce travel time and logistics costs, as well as opening up new economic opportunities for communities along the toll corridor. Likewise with the construction of new ports and airport development, which play a crucial role in improving connectivity and facilitating international trade.
Apart from these national strategic projects, the government is also focusing on developing basic infrastructure such as providing clean water, sanitation and energy. Through various programs, such as the Healthy Indonesia Program and the Smart Indonesia Program, people’s access to these basic services is increasing, which contributes to improving the quality of life and well-being.
Apart from infrastructure, human resource development is also the main focus of the Jokowi government. President Jokowi in his speech emphasized the importance of investing in education and training as the key to advancing the nation. In the last decade, the government has launched various education and training programs aimed at improving the skills and competencies of the Indonesian workforce.
One of the superior programs is the Smart Indonesia Card (KIP) and Pre-Employment Card. KIP provides educational assistance to pupils and students from disadvantaged families, ensuring that they have access to quality education. On the other hand, the Pre-Employment Card provides vocational training and financial assistance for those who want to improve their skills or move to a more promising job sector.
Investment in higher education and training can also be seen from the increase in the number of quality universities and vocational education institutions throughout Indonesia. The government has collaborated with various parties, including the private sector and international institutions, to ensure that the education curriculum is relevant to the needs of the ever-evolving job market.
Meanwhile, economic stability and social welfare have improved significantly. During the decade of Jokowi’s administration, Indonesia has succeeded in facing various global and domestic economic challenges with smart and planned policies. Stable economic growth and effective inflation control have supported increasing people’s purchasing power and reducing poverty levels.
The government’s efforts in infrastructure development and human resource development not only have an impact on the economic sector, but also on the quality of life of the community. Better infrastructure makes it easier to access health and education services, while investment in human resources ensures that Indonesia’s workforce is ready to face the challenges of the global labor market.
Previously, the Chair of the People’s Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI), Puan Maharani expressed high appreciation for the government’s development achievements and fully supported the continued development of the National Capital (IKN) of the Archipelago. Likewise, Deputy Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI), Ahmad Muzani, said that his party was grateful for the extraordinary leadership and performance of President Joko Widodo’s 10 year term of office which made Indonesia experience a lot of development, both developments in the fields of infrastructure development and the economy. , law, and completion of various people’s prosperity programs.
This achievement shows that investment in infrastructure and human resources is not just a short-term measure, but is the foundation for sustainable economic growth and societal prosperity in the future. Seeing this achievement, we can give proper appreciation to President Jokowi for his leadership and vision in advancing Indonesia.
In facing the future, it is important to continue and expand these achievements with the same commitment. With support and active participation from all elements of society, President Jokowi’s development vision can continue to be realized, bringing Indonesia towards even more brilliant progress.
)* The author is an observer of social and community problems
