By: Sunandar Karya Kartasasmita
As the Prabowo Subianto–Gibran Rakabuming Raka administration approaches its first anniversary, the national development direction increasingly shows consistency with the grand vision of national independence. The government emphasizes strengthening the economic foundation through infrastructure development that is not only massive in scale but also directly impacts the welfare of the people. In this context, infrastructure policies during the Prabowo-Gibran era represent a continuation of long-term development visions laid out in previous periods.
Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, announced that the Ministry projects national infrastructure development to exceed 90% completion by the end of 2025. This ambitious target demonstrates the government’s seriousness in completing strategic projects addressing basic societal needs. One key priority is the construction and rehabilitation of the national irrigation system, which is crucial not only for water management but also for achieving national food sovereignty. Without sufficient water availability, farmers cannot boost productivity, hindering the goal of food self-sufficiency.
As a commitment, the Ministry has allocated an initial budget of IDR 1 trillion for irrigation projects across regions, reflecting a realistic yet progressive approach to policy implementation. The government ensures every rupiah spent brings direct benefits to society. From a national economic perspective, infrastructure investment has a significant multiplier effect, creating jobs, stimulating construction sectors, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
The government’s commitment extends beyond agriculture and energy sectors into urban public transportation. The President Director of PT MRT Jakarta, Tuhiyat, shared that Vice President Gibran Rakabuming closely monitors the construction progress of the Sawah Besar MRT Station. This attention underscores the administration’s commitment to building safe, affordable, and integrated public transportation. With direct supervision from national leadership, projects like the MRT symbolize the transformation toward modern, inclusive public transit in Indonesia.
This approach aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to accelerate national strategic infrastructure development across regions, not just Java. The government aims to realize efficient, people-friendly public transportation systems. Improved connectivity is expected to reduce logistics costs, shorten intercity travel times, and boost regional economic competitiveness. This development approach reflects how Prabowo-Gibran regard infrastructure as a tool for economic equity rather than mere urban grandeur.
From an academic viewpoint, Mohammad Nur Rianto Al Arif, a lecturer and researcher at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah and CSEAS Indonesia, acknowledges impressive achievements in infrastructure development during the first year. Projects include toll road extensions, new dam construction, port repairs, and digital infrastructure expansion. This reflects policy continuity from previous administrations but with improved focus on equitable benefit distribution.
He notes a paradigm shift in infrastructure development, emphasizing direct impact on people’s productivity. For example, dams are constructed not as technocratic monuments but to irrigate agricultural lands, while digital infrastructure expansion aims to increase MSMEs’ access to online markets, opening economic opportunities in rural and suburban areas. Infrastructure thus becomes a genuine socio-economic empowerment tool rather than just political imagery or physical progress symbols.
This shows a shift from purely physical development to benefit-driven development. The Prabowo-Gibran administration stresses that infrastructure must drive people’s economy, expand employment, and create inter-sector connectivity. Toll roads, for instance, facilitate not just private vehicle mobility but also faster distribution of agricultural products and small industries to wider markets.
Moreover, sustainable digital infrastructure is a cornerstone of the new economic era. Digitalization promotes equitable access to information and financial services, particularly for marginalized regions. Through such policies, the government demonstrates that development must be inclusive and reach all social layers.
Overall, the infrastructure development under Prabowo-Gibran’s government shows consistent vision and sustainable spirit. The administration balances physical and human development, speed and equity, large investments and social utility. These efforts reflect a firm commitment to preparing Indonesia for a new era of independence and sustainable prosperity.
Infrastructure development is not just the government’s duty but a shared responsibility among all national elements. Society, business sectors, and academia must continue providing support and active contributions to ensure national development programs are effective and well-targeted. With mutual cooperation and collective optimism, infrastructure development under Prabowo-Gibran’s leadership can indeed become the bridge to a prosperous, independent, and advanced Indonesia for all.
(*) Author is a Development and Infrastructure Observer
