JakartaGlobe-Dec 5
The Ministry of Public Works and People’s Housing (PUPR) revealed that four new cities prioritized by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo could serve as the main driver of Indonesia’s economic growth. Three of these cities are located outside of Java, as the burden on the island has become too heavy and is no longer feasible to be the engine of growth. Endra S Atmawidjaja, an expert staff for technology, industry, and environment at the ministry, has identified four new drivers, namely Tanjung Selor in North Kalimantan, Sofifi in North Maluku, Sorong in West Papua, and Maja in Banten. “I think the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) should direct investments there. These new cities are crucial because Java no longer has room for growth. It needs to be moved outside Java,” Endra said during an interview in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday. As of the second quarter of 2023, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reports that Java Island contributes to 57.3 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). Following Java, Sumatera holds 21.9 percent, Kalimantan 8.3 percent, Bali-Nusa Tenggara 2.8 percent, and Maluku and Papua collectively contribute 2.6 percent. Despite being designated as priority projects, the development of these new cities has faced delays. Endra admitted that the project has encountered setbacks but emphasized the need for the government to continue with the project. Read more at: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/president-jokowi-prioritizes-4-cities-as-new-growth-drivers
