Jakarta (ANTARA) - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has emphasized that infrastructure development in eastern Indonesia must continue in order to achieve uniform development throughout the country.
As per reports, investment realization outside Java Island reached Rp730.8 trillion or around US$45.6 billion in 2023, while on Java Island, it was recorded at Rp688.1 trillion or around US$43.8 billion.
"It takes certain efforts to realize equality between the western and the eastern regions," Sumadi said after the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Annual Session at the parliamentary complex here on Friday.
He further said he is optimistic that the next government led by Prabowo Subianto will continue all the development measures carried out during the 10 years of President Joko Widodo's (Jokowi's) leadership.
"I am certain about this. 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," he added.
He asked the next government to improve development aspects that are still lacking.
"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," he explained.
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While delivering the 2025 State Budget Bill and Financial Notes at the plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Friday, President Widodo announced planned infrastructure development allocation of Rp400.3 trillion.
The infrastructure budget spending will focus on education and health facilities, connectivity, food and energy infrastructure, and the sustainable development of the new capital.
In the last 10 years, Widodo's administration has intensively bolstered infrastructure development. In the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, Indonesia's rank rose from 54th in 2014 to 27th in 2024.