The infrastructure development program continues to be accelerated by the Indonesia Maju Cabinet led by President Joko Widodo in the context of national economic recovery (PEN) from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “During the administration of Mr. Joko Widodo, the pace of national development was continuously encouraged in the context of national economic recovery,” said Minister of Communications and Information Technology (Menkominfo), Johnny Gerard Plate, at a press conference at the Ministry of Communications and Information office, Jakarta on Tuesday (20/9/2022). According to him, infrastructure development is carried out in an accelerated manner while maintaining a balance between spending on social protection for vulnerable communities through various programs and incentives in the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN). Social protection is provided through various programs, such as the Family Hope Program (PKH), Basic Food Cards, Basic Food Social Assistance (Bansos), Cash Social Assistance, Pre-Employment Cards, subsidies for fuel oil (BBM), and electricity subsidies. Johnny said that the rhythm of this achievement continues to be maintained to ensure the achievement of development targets while at the same time guaranteeing social protection for people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the geopolitical changes of the war in Ukraine. Furthermore, he added that the government’s ongoing development has shown Indonesia’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and world political instability.
In addition, economic stability can also be well maintained, as can be seen from the positive national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the second quarter of 2022, which was 5.44 percent compared to the previous quarter. This positive economic growth rate is considered not only to reflect the national aggregate figure, but regionally all provinces in Indonesia are also experiencing positive growth such as provinces in Sulawesi, Java, Maluku, and Papua. Indonesia’s monthly inflation rate still increased 0.64 percent from the previous month, with an inflation rate of 4.94 percent compared to last year (yoy), in July 2022. However, this position is relatively moderate. “Inflation was also maintained at a level of 2.86 percent YoY as a result of the government's consistency in maintaining Indonesia's inflation expectations," Johnny said.
The momentum of national development and political stability that has been well maintained in the last seven years is expected to be a reminder and encouragement for the community to participate in national development. “Together, let’s continue to strive for nation building through collaboration and synergy and continue to carry out the great work of state development for the realization of an advanced Indonesia,” Johnny concluded. In this way, all the people will be able to face the big challenges that arise together and build Indonesia in a positive direction.
