The complexity of large-scale infrastructure projects demands innovative and integrated management approaches to ensure effective and efficient execution.
Beyond improving regional connectivity, projects such as toll roads, railways, ports, and airports are also expected to reduce logistics costs and boost the tourism sector.
“Infrastructure development, particularly in transportation, is the backbone of economic growth and equitable development,” stated Dr. Ikaputra, Head of the Center for Transportation and Logistics Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Pustral UGM), during a recent webinar titled “Modern Project Management in Transportation Infrastructure Development: Strategies for Successful Implementation and Sustainability.”
The webinar, organized by Pustral UGM, featured expert speakers, including Weni Maulina (Director of Construction at PT MRT Jakarta) and Dr. Wahyu Utomo (Special Staff to the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs for Infrastructure Acceleration and Investment).
Dr. Adi Prasetyo, the President of the Prince2 Project Management Association Indonesia, also spoke at the event. Professor Danang Parikesit from UGM’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, a member of the Pustral UGM Expert Team, served as the moderator.
As Director of Construction at PT MRT Jakarta, Maulina explained that the company has three main mandates: infrastructure development, operations and maintenance, and business development, including Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).
MRT Jakarta was introduced as a solution to traffic congestion, air pollution, and economic losses due to inefficient transportation in the capital.
“In developing MRT Jakarta, we faced various challenges such as complex underground spatial planning, soft soil conditions, protection of historical buildings, and traffic management during construction,” she explained.
She said that PT MRT Jakarta implements a structured risk management approach that includes risk identification, analysis, response, and continuous monitoring to address these risks.
Risk mitigation strategies include early land acquisition, in-depth soil investigations, and a work package-based contract system to ensure the project stays on target.
“Despite the challenges, MRT Jakarta has generated significant economic and social impacts, including increased property value, the development of affordable housing, and job creation through TOD schemes,” she added.
Addressing risk management in National Strategic Projects (PSN) in the infrastructure sector, Dr. Utomo emphasized the PMI Risk Management approach, which includes four main stages: risk identification, risk assessment, risk mitigation, and risk control and monitoring.
He highlighted common risks in PSN, such as land acquisition, financial issues, regulatory hurdles, environmental and social impacts, and operational and construction challenges.
To mitigate these risks, the government promotes Public-Private Partnership (PPP) schemes and leverages the role of PT Penjaminan Infrastruktur Indonesia to enhance project creditworthiness.
He also highlighted successful national projects such as the Umbulan Water Supply System (SPAM Umbulan), the Serang-Panimbang Toll Road, and the Balikpapan-Samarinda Toll Road.
These projects succeeded through inter-agency coordination, the implementation of early warning systems, and minimum revenue guarantees.
“Project success is evaluated periodically based on timeliness, budget efficiency, infrastructure quality, and socio-economic impacts on communities,” he explained.
Dr. Prasetyo discussed the main challenges in managing large-scale infrastructure projects and raised concerns regarding the Iron Law of Megaprojects.
According to him, large projects often face delays and cost overruns.
He emphasized that the success of infrastructure projects should be measured not only by their physical output but also by their long-term benefits.
“In planning, data-driven approaches and in-depth risk analysis are key to avoiding planning biases that often cause projects to fall short of their targets,” he concluded.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photograph: Detik.com
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna