Coordinating Ministry pushes infrastructure development at Indonesia's frontier
The Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development (Kemenko IPK) is pushing for accelerated infrastructure development at Indonesia’s frontier, specifically in Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan, focusing on a road segment connecting Serindang Village and Bukit Segoler.
“We, together with the National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN) and the Ministry of Public Works, directly inspected one of the proposed Regional Road Presidential Instruction (IJD) projects in Sambas Regency. This is part of the President’s mandate to the Coordinating Ministry to ensure the IJD programme truly reaches the community and provides maximum benefits,” said Herzaky Mahendra Putra, Special Staff to the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.
He noted that Sambas Regency holds a strategic position as a border region and a showcase of Indonesia, directly adjacent to Malaysia. Therefore, accelerating infrastructure development is crucial to promote equitable development, strengthen connectivity, enhance regional competitiveness, and drive economic growth.
Based on the inspection, the proposed road segment spans approximately 5.4 kilometres. The local government has already constructed 2.4 kilometres, while the remaining 3 kilometres are proposed for support through the Regional Road Presidential Instruction (IJD) programme.
“If this road can be upgraded, the benefits will be enormous. Travel time for residents will be shorter, transportation costs can be reduced, economic activity will move faster, and access to various public services will improve,” he said.
He further explained that the road construction holds strategic value as it supports various government priority programmes. The road segment is located in an agricultural area and is connected to an irrigation network that underpins food self-sufficiency.
In the education sector, the road serves as the main access route to SMP Negeri 1 and three primary schools in the Bukit Segoler area. Upgrading the road will facilitate mobility for students, teachers, and the community to reach educational facilities.
“This road is highly strategic because it supports food self-sufficiency, water security, and access to education, while also facilitating the implementation of priority government programmes. Therefore, we see this proposal as having significant benefits for the community,” Herzaky stated.
Nevertheless, he emphasised that the proposal must still undergo an evaluation and prioritisation process alongside various other regional proposals from across Indonesia. The Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure, together with the Ministry of Public Works, will continue to oversee this process to ensure that every budget allocation delivers optimal and well-targeted impact.