Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has underscored the necessity of ongoing infrastructure development in eastern Indonesia to ensure balanced growth across the country. Speaking after the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Annual Session at the parliamentary complex, Sumadi highlighted the substantial investment differences between Java and the eastern regions.
In 2023, investment in eastern Indonesia reached approximately Rp730.8 trillion (US$45.6 billion), while Java saw investments of Rp688.1 trillion (US$43.8 billion). This disparity underscores the need for continued efforts to promote equality between these regions.
Sumadi expressed optimism that the incoming administration under Prabowo Subianto will maintain and build upon the development initiatives established during President Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi) decade in office. He cited a recent statement from Prabowo affirming the continuation of the Nusantara capital city project as evidence of this commitment. “Prabowo’s recent statement is clear about the continuation of capital city Nusantara. During the speech, President Jokowi and Prabowo showed mutual respect for each other,” Sumadi noted.
He called on the next government to address areas where development remains insufficient. “We need to concentrate on how this nation can serve the people better. Hence, the next government needs to continue what we have done and improve things that are lacking,” Sumadi added.
In his address during the plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR), President Widodo announced an infrastructure development budget allocation of Rp400.3 trillion for 2025. This budget will focus on enhancing education and health facilities, improving connectivity, and supporting the sustainable development of the new capital city, Nusantara.
Widodo’s administration has significantly advanced infrastructure development over the past decade, contributing to Indonesia’s improved position in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, which rose from 54th in 2014 to 27th in 2024.
Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has called for ongoing infrastructure development in eastern Indonesia to ensure equitable growth across the nation. He stressed the importance of continuing investments and development projects to bridge the gap between the western and eastern regions of the country.
In a recent statement following the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Annual Session, Sumadi highlighted that while investment in eastern Indonesia reached Rp730.8 trillion (approximately US$45.6 billion) in 2023, investments in Java amounted to Rp688.1 trillion (around US$43.8 billion). This demonstrates a need for sustained focus on eastern Indonesia to achieve balanced regional development.
Sumadi expressed confidence that the next administration, led by Prabowo Subianto, will build on the achievements of President Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi) tenure. He referenced Prabowo’s commitment to continue the development of Nusantara, the new capital city, as evidence of this continuity. “Prabowo’s recent statement is clear about the continuation of capital city Nusantara. During the speech, President Jokowi and Prabowo showed mutual respect for each other,” Sumadi remarked.
He urged the new government to address existing gaps and enhance services for the people. “We need to concentrate on how this nation can serve the people better. Hence, the next government needs to continue what we have done and improve things that are lacking,” Sumadi added.
President Widodo’s 2025 State Budget Bill and Financial Notes announced an allocation of Rp400.3 trillion for infrastructure development. This budget will focus on improving education and health facilities, enhancing connectivity, and supporting the sustainable development of the new capital.
The past decade has seen significant progress in infrastructure under Widodo’s administration, contributing to Indonesia’s improved ranking in the IMD World Competitiveness Rankings, where the country moved from 54th in 2014 to 27th in 2024.