Reducing Inequality, Jokowi Plans 101 Connectivity Projects

To reduce economic disparity between Java and the outer islands, the Joko Widodo and Jusuf Kalla administration developed 101 connectivity projects. These projects encompass infrastructure development, including land, sea, and air transportation.

Connectivity will improve the efficiency and smooth flow of goods and services between regions in Indonesia. This program aims to achieve relatively uniform pricing of goods throughout Indonesia, thereby reducing inequality.

The commitment to infrastructure development is reflected in the increased budget allocation. In 2016, the government increased infrastructure spending from Rp 290.3 trillion to Rp 317.1 trillion. In 2017, infrastructure development allocation will be further increased to Rp 346.6 trillion.

The government targets three main impacts from this infrastructure development that the public will experience: lower transportation and logistics costs, more efficient exchange of goods and services, and increased competitiveness of national products against foreign ones.