Minister Of PUPR Basuki: Infrastructure Development For 10 Years Only To Pursue Disadvantage

Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Infrastructure development throughout Indonesia is one of the main focuses of the Joko Widodo (Jokowi) Government from its leadership in 2014 to 2024.

It is known, the infrastructure in question starts from toll roads, dams to drinking water supply systems (SPAM).

Even so, PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said the massive infrastructure development was solely to catch up.

"Not yet to provide according to the minimum infrastructure needs in the context of investment, reducing logistics or competing in the global world," said Basuki when met by reporters at his office, Friday, October 4.

Basuki assessed that currently Indonesia's infrastructure development is still far behind compared to other countries, especially in the field of water infrastructure such as dams.

"So, it's like the construction of a dam is still needed a lot. Right now it seems to be building 61, but that's nothing compared to other countries," he said.

He added, as stated by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), in South Korea there are 19,000 dams, while in China there are 98,000 dams.

In addition, said Basuki, the toll roads operating in Indonesia also seem to have many, namely 3,200 kilometers. However, in fact in other countries there are more.

"So, I think what we have been doing over the past 10 years has just caught up with our infrastructure needs," he said.

As for the era of President Jokowi's leadership during the 2014-2024 period, the Ministry of PUPR has successfully completed a number of infrastructures to increase competitiveness and support economic growth.

In the field of water resources, the Ministry of PUPR through the Directorate General of Water Resources has successfully completed the construction of 53 dams out of 61 dam units built.

The dams that have been completed include Sepaku Semoi, Ameroro, Leuwikeris, Way Sekampung and Kuningan.

In addition, the Ministry of PUPR built 1,228,440 hectares of irrigation networks and rehabilitated 4,647,547 hectares of irrigation networks. In addition, the Ministry of PUPR also completed 1,371 reservoirs, 493 sediment and lahar controllers, 2,154 kilometers of flood control and coastal safety.

In the field of connectivity, the Ministry of PUPR together with the Toll Road Business Entity (BUJT) have completed 2,432 kilometers of toll road construction.

It did not stop there, the Ministry of PUPR through the Directorate General of Highways has also completed 5,999 kilometers of construction of new roads, 125,904 meters of bridge construction, 583 suspension bridges and 27,673 meters of flyover/underpass construction.

One of the flyovers that has been inaugurated by President Jokowi is the 858-meter Djuanda Flyover in Sidoarjo, East Java.

In the residential sector, the Ministry of PUPR through the Directorate General of Human Settlements has also completed the Drinking Water Supply System (SPAM) of 36,380 liters per second, so that access to drinking water is suitable for 93 percent of the total population.

Then, handling the residential area 94,321 hectares, handling waste and sanitation 13.7 million family cards, so that sanitation access is suitable for 82 percent of the total population.

Furthermore, the construction of a 15-area Integrated Cross-Border Post (PLBN) as well as the construction, rehabilitation or renovation of educational facilities, sports and markets of 5,939 units.

Meanwhile, in the housing sector, the Ministry of PUPR through the Directorate General of Housing has built 10.2 million housing units with the contribution of the State Budget through the One Million Houses Program.

Next, 1.49 million housing units through the Swadaya Housing/Study Housing Stimulant Assistance (BSPS) program, 40,347 special housing units and 71,731 flats (rusun).