Ahead Of A Year Of Prabowo's Leadership, The Ministry Of Public Works Focuses On Building Irrigation Infrastructure To People's Schools

Towards one year of President Prabowo Subianto's leadership, the Ministry of Public Works (PU) projects that national infrastructure development achievements will reach more than 90 percent by the end of 2025.

From all sectors, irrigation development is set as a top priority to support the national food self-sufficiency program.

PU Minister Dody Hanggodo admitted that there was a slowdown in the budget absorption side.

However, he ensured that the physical implementation of a number of projects had been pushed first according to the direction of the Head of State.

"Yes, because in terms of budget absorption is a bit slow. However, from our prognosis until the end of December 2025, development achievements can be more than 90 percent," said Dody when met by reporters after attending the signing of the Bogor Toll Road PPJT at the Ministry of Public Works office, Jakarta, Friday, October 3.

Although the budget disbursement process is still going through a long mechanism in the DPR, the Ministry of Finance, BPKP and Bappenas, Dody assesses that physical projects are still ongoing.

"If it's physical, it's already done. For example, people's school projects, irrigation, whatever it is. Even though the finances are still in process, we have pushed it first. So, God willing, it can reach more than 90 percent," he said.

Dody emphasized that the irrigation project is a top priority because it is directly related to the basic needs of the community and the government's ambitious target of realizing food self-sufficiency.

In fact, said Dody, the ministry he leads has allocated an initial budget of IDR 1 trillion specifically for irrigation projects, although not all budgets are available.

"Irrigation is the most important thing, because the first presidential instruction is food self-sufficiency. That's what we encourage for the first time, even before the money is available," said Dody.

Previously, President Prabowo Subianto delivered eight priority agendas in the Introductory Speech for the 2026 State Revenue and Expenditure Budget Draft (RAPBN) and its Financial Note at the DPR Plenary Meeting, Friday, August 15.

Quoting the official website of the Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu), Friday, October 3, the eight agendas include food security as the foundation of the nation's independence.

The government is focused on realizing food self-sufficiency, especially rice and corn, to ensure price stability and welfare of farmers and fishermen.

Second, energy resilience for the nation's sovereignty. This is done by increasing oil and gas production, maintaining energy prices and accelerating energy transitions to clean energy.

Third, Free Nutrition Food (MBG) for the superior generation. The MBG program is targeted to reach 82.9 million beneficiaries, including students, pregnant women and toddlers. The program at the same time strengthens the local economy and opens up new jobs.

Fourth, quality education for global competitive human resources. The main focus includes improving the quality of teachers, vocational education and adjusting the curriculum to the world of work.

Fifth, fair and equitable health. Health budgets are prioritized to ease the burden on the community; revitalize hospitals; accelerate stunting reduction; provide nutrition assistance for toddlers and pregnant women; control infectious diseases; reduce tuberculosis; Free Health Check (CKG); and improve health facilities.

Keenam, penguatan ekonomi rakyat melalui Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (KMDP). Sebanyak 80.000 KMDP telah terbentuk untuk mempermudah masyarakat desa mengakses sembako, pupuk dan layanan keuangan di pedesaan.

Ketujuh, pertahanan semesta untuk menjaga kedaulatan bangsa.

Pemerintah akan memodernisasi alutsista, memperkuat komponen cadangan serta mendukung industri strategis nasional dan kesejahteraan prajurit.

Kedelapan, percepatan investasi dan perdagangan global. Melalui peran Danantara, pemerintah memperkuat investasi produktif dan mewujudkan Indonesia lebih kuat dalam rantai pasok dunia.

Selain itu, Program 3 Juta Rumah rakyat terus didorong melalui berbagai skema, antara lain Fasilitas Likuiditas Pembiayaan Perumahan, dukungan Bantuan Stimulan Perumahan Swadaya di desa, kota dan pesisir serta dukungan PPN DTP untuk rumah komersil dalam mendukung pembangunan rumah layak huni dan terjangkau.

Sixth, strengthening the people's economy through the Red and White Village Cooperative (KMDP). A total of 80,000 KMDPs have been formed to make it easier for rural communities to access basic necessities, fertilizers and financial services in rural areas.

Seventh, the defense of the universe to safeguard the nation's sovereignty.

The government will modernize defense equipment, strengthen reserve components and support national strategic industries and the welfare of soldiers.

Eighth, accelerating investment and global trade. Through the role of Danantara, the government strengthens productive investment and realizes a stronger Indonesia in the world supply chain.

In addition, the People's Houses 3 Million Program continues to be encouraged through various schemes, including Housing Financing Liquidity Facilities, support for Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance in villages, cities and coasts as well as support for DTP VAT for commercial homes in supporting the construction of habitable and affordable houses.