By: Syaqila Arrafiq)*
In the last decade, President Joko Widodo’s leadership has successfully led Indonesia through various global challenges with full resilience. Various crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the global economic slowdown, and geopolitical dynamics affecting the world’s supply chain, have been a test for the domestic economy. Thanks to strategic policies and a focus on sustainable development, Indonesia has managed to maintain economic stability and continue to grow positively. This achievement not only strengthens the national economy but also places Indonesia in a more competitive position on the global stage.
Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, said that the Indonesian economy under President Jokowi has proven to be resilient in facing various turmoils over the past 10 years. According to her, national economic resilience is clearly seen in the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, where Indonesia was able to withstand its negative impacts on public health and the national economy. Furthermore, Sri Mulyani emphasized that the State Budget (APBN) has played a role as the main support or “shock absorber” in facing the crisis. The APBN is an important instrument in supporting economic recovery and sustainable structural reform, thanks to its flexible adjustment capabilities despite global pressures.
One of the key factors of Indonesia’s economic success is the massive infrastructure development in various regions of the archipelago. Since the beginning of his term in 2014, President Jokowi has made infrastructure a top priority to support sustainable economic growth. Sri Mulyani explained that the budget allocation for infrastructure has increased significantly, from IDR 157.4 trillion at the beginning of President Jokowi’s administration, to IDR 423.4 trillion towards the end of his term. The infrastructure built not only improves connectivity between regions but also accelerates the flow of logistics and trade, strengthening the competitiveness of the national economy.
Minister of Trade, Zulkifli Hasan, also appreciated the great achievements in the economic sector over the past decade. According to him, the trade balance surplus recorded for 52 consecutive months is clear evidence of the government’s success in managing international trade, even amidst global uncertainty. Zulkifli Hasan also underlined President Jokowi’s success in developing leading tourist destinations such as Komodo Island, Lake Toba, and Mandalika, which are now attractions for domestic and foreign tourists. This development not only boosts the tourism sector but also creates new jobs and supports the local economy.
In the transportation sector, the achievements are also very significant. The inter-regional connectivity infrastructure that has been built, such as toll roads connecting Jakarta to Surabaya and Lampung to Aceh, facilitates people’s mobility and distribution of goods. Zulkifli Hasan emphasized that the development of this transportation infrastructure has a positive impact on the logistics and trade sectors, making Indonesia more competitive in the global market. He also noted that Indonesia’s economic growth remains stable at an average of 5 percent, while inflation has been well controlled.
In addition, the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Suharso Monoarfa, explained that during President Jokowi’s administration, regional development and human resource development became the main focus. Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) increased in various regions, especially in Java and Sulawesi, which was also accompanied by a decrease in social inequality. This is indicated by a decrease in the gini ratio to 0.375, reflecting an increase in economic equality in society. Suharso Monoarfa also added that Indonesia’s Human Development Index (HDI) continues to increase and reaches 75.59, with an average length of schooling reaching 9.03 years and the unemployment rate dropping to 5.11 percent.
Not only in the economic and social fields, Indonesia has also shown significant progress in terms of the environment. The government has succeeded in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 637 million tons, in line with its commitment to preserving the environment. The development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan is also based on the principles of sustainability and innovation. Suharso Monoarfa stated that the development of the IKN is in line with the National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN) 2025-2045, which is a guide for Indonesia’s sustainable development in the next two decades. This document is a strong foundation in realizing the Vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.
The success of the government under President Jokowi’s leadership deserves appreciation. In the past decade, Indonesia has shown extraordinary resilience in facing global and domestic challenges. Massive infrastructure development, wise economic management, and a commitment to sustainable development have made Indonesia an increasingly strong and competitive country in this era of globalization.
Indonesia’s success in maintaining political and security stability over the past decade has also played a significant role in supporting sustainable economic growth. Solid leadership and support from various elements of society, including the business world, have created a conducive investment climate. This is reflected in the increase in foreign direct investment flows and the growth of strategic sectors such as the manufacturing and technology industries. With maintained stability, Indonesia has succeeded in attracting international investors to participate in various development projects, including the development of the Indonesian Capital City and other strategic initiatives. This continued political stability is a strong foundation for continuing long-term development in order to achieve the target of the Golden Indonesia Vision 2045.
)* The author is an observer of government policy
