National Strategic Projects are projects implemented by the government, regional governments, and/or business entities that have strategic significance for enhancing growth and equitable development to improve the welfare of the people and regional development.
In its implementation, the government has identified projects falling into the category of national strategic projects to meet basic needs and improve the welfare of the people.
President Joko Widodo signed Presidential Regulation Number 3 of 2016 concerning the Acceleration of National Strategic Project Implementation on January 8, 2016, to expedite the implementation of National Strategic Projects.
The Committee for the Acceleration of Priority Infrastructure Provision (KPPIP) has been tasked with monitoring the progress of the projects and evaluating their proposals and changes to the project list.
The initial project list was established through Presidential Regulation Number 3 of 2016, which has since been amended three times in accordance with Presidential Regulation Number 58 of 2017, Presidential Regulation Number 56 of 2018, and Presidential Regulation Number 109 of 2020.
In the fourth revision of the project list, there were additions of projects and changes in the program’s scope without removing any projects. Over the span of 8 years, many program achievements have been made, although not all targets have been met.
To document various achievements, issues, and related matters throughout the journey, the Ministry of Economy, through KPPIP, created the book “Infrastructure Transformation Towards Golden Indonesia 2045: Reflection on the Implementation of a Decade of National Strategic Projects.”
The UGM Center for Transportation and Logistics Studies contributed to the book’s writing, particularly in transportation and logistics.
The compilation of this book also involved other institutions, namely the Padjadjaran University Alumni Association, IIGF Institute, and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, as a knowledge partner.
The book was presented to President Joko Widodo during the Infrastructure Forum and Edutainment Expo on September 13, 2023, in Jakarta.
The Coordinating Minister for the Economy and other relevant ministers also attended the event, and a book review was conducted on the following day, Thursday (September 14).
Dr. Dewanti, Secretary of the UGM Center for Transportation and Logistics Studies, representing the authors, stated that transportation plays a role in opening up isolated regions and creating connectivity between areas.
Transportation is also the backbone of regional economic growth and a driving factor for efficient trade and industry realization.
However, there are various challenges in implementing transportation infrastructure development. For example, in the construction of toll roads, the infrastructure built has yet to boost the surrounding region’s economy immediately.
“Highly economically valued port transportation facilities are not yet balanced with the development of their hinterland regions,” Dr. Dewanti said.
In addition, the secretary noted a lack of competent human resources with global standards to support the operation of infrastructure in regions, especially in airport development.
The provision of mass rail transportation facilities is also not attractive enough as the backbone of passenger and cargo mobility. Furthermore, general diversities in geographical and spatial characteristics require specific handling.
The book review featured speakers Irawati Hermawan, Chair of the Padjadjaran University Alumni Association; Yuki M. A. Wardhana, Senior Researcher at the IIGF Institute; and Suroto, Deputy Assistant for the Acceleration and Utilization of Development at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs.
Author: Agung Nugroho