The Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), stated that infrastructure is not merely the foundation of economic growth but also the driving force for equitable regional development across Indonesia.
He emphasized that development must not create disparities between regions. The principles of development, he said, should maintain a balance between economic growth, job creation, care for underprivileged communities, and environmental preservation.
Minister Yudhoyono outlined five fundamental strategies to strengthen national development. Among these, he highlighted the importance of adaptive education relevant to the needs of the times, the development of research and innovation to produce sustainable solutions, and community engagement that delivers tangible benefits to society.
“Additionally, we need green and disaster-resilient infrastructure, as well as good governance. If all of these are implemented effectively, we will be preparing Indonesia to become more resilient, inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive,” said Minister Yudhoyono in a public lecture titled “Strategic Infrastructure and Regional Development for National Growth” at the SGLC Auditorium, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FT UGM), on Wednesday (Oct. 8).
Nevertheless, the minister noted that infrastructure development is not merely a physical endeavor but a comprehensive strategy to achieve equitable development, strengthen competitiveness, and ensure national sustainability.
“Collaboration among the government, universities, and the public is key for Indonesia to overcome global challenges and secure a better future for all its citizens,” he explained.
During his lecture, Minister Yudhoyono emphasized that infrastructure development must focus on resilience, sustainability, and community welfare, as the world faces significant transformations driven by global population growth, projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, along with resource and climate crises.
“Food, energy, and clean water crises will become more pressing. Therefore, infrastructure development must prioritize resilience, sustainability, and the well-being of the people,” Minister Yudhoyono asserted.
He also highlighted Indonesia’s demographic dividend as a major opportunity. With its young and productive population, Indonesia has the potential for rapid growth, but only if education and skill development are adequately prepared. This, he said, is the essential mission of universities.
According to him, sustainable universities of the future are those that can anticipate new types of jobs and the evolving human resource skills required in the 21st century.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia reaffirmed that infrastructure is a crucial pillar of national development, driving not only economic growth but also enhancing societal welfare.
“We believe universities play a significant role as centers of research and development to support national infrastructure and regional development. Through the innovative work of our faculties and academic fields, UGM remains committed to producing research and innovations that contribute to sustainable development,” the rector said.
On the same occasion, Dean of FT UGM, Professor Selo, added that UGM’s faculties and students continue to produce research and innovations relevant to the nation’s progress, particularly in land and agricultural development, which are national research priorities.
“We continue to support all fields of research and innovation to ensure meaningful contributions to the nation’s development,” Professor Selo stated.
Author: Lintang Andwyna
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Salma
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian