AHY: Indonesia's Connectivity Cannot Rely Solely on Toll Roads

The Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, or AHY, has asserted that the development of connectivity in Indonesia cannot rely solely on toll roads. He stated that national connectivity must also be strengthened through sea and air transport.

AHY noted that Indonesia’s infrastructure development approach cannot be equated with continental nations that rely heavily on land networks. As an archipelagic nation, Indonesia requires a more comprehensive connectivity strategy.

“Development must not be Java-centric. We are not a continental nation, so connectivity development cannot use the same recipe as continental countries,” AHY said during an event for the Taruna Nusantara High School Alumni Association in Jakarta on Saturday (23/5/2026).

Such characteristics make land infrastructure the backbone of connectivity in those continental nations. However, Indonesia presents a different condition. As a maritime nation with more than 17,000 islands, it requires a balance between land, sea, and air transport.

AHY emphasised that inter-island connectivity is key to driving equitable development and reducing national logistics costs. An unintegrated transport system will keep the distribution of goods and services expensive, which can also hinder economic growth in various regions.

He further insisted that system improvements and the strengthening of security must be a priority. “Safety is paramount. Not just for trains, but all modes of transport must receive serious attention,” he added.