Deputy Minister: Resilient Infrastructure Development Must Begin with Integrated Spatial Planning
Jakarta – Deputy Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Deputy Head of the National Land Agency (Deputy Minister ATR/Deputy Head BPN), Ossy Dermawan, stated that well-targeted and resilient infrastructure development must begin with integrated spatial planning policy. He made the remarks whilst delivering a keynote speech at the International Conference on Infrastructure (ICI) 2025, organised by the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development, at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC) on Thursday (12/06/2025).
"Infrastructure development requires land, but land requires legal certainty, accessibility, clear zoning, and harmonisation with environmental and social considerations. For this reason, the Ministry of ATR/BPN is working with other ministries and agencies to realise a unified spatial planning policy — an integrated approach that brings together land use, sectoral planning and development objectives into one comprehensive governance framework," said Deputy Minister Ossy.
In his speech entitled "Right Infrastructure in the Right Place: Spatial Planning for Impactful Infrastructure", Deputy Minister Ossy emphasised that infrastructure must not be built solely on technical considerations but must directly address the needs of communities. He cited the importance of prioritising public services, such as ensuring connectivity to underserved areas, building healthcare facilities in locations with genuine need, and providing affordable housing near employment centres.
Beyond social aspects, Deputy Minister Ossy highlighted the importance of infrastructure resilience against risks such as climate change and natural disasters. He noted that spatial planning can serve as an effective mitigation tool. In this regard, the Ministry of ATR/BPN has introduced several measures for climate change adaptation, including flood and earthquake potential mapping, zoning regulations that prevent settlements in high-risk areas, and the allocation of green open spaces in urban areas.
"We understand that these efforts are not yet perfect, but we continue to improve them for the good of Indonesia," the Deputy Minister said.
The ICI 2025 conference ran from 11–12 June 2025. On the second day, keynote speeches were also delivered by a number of ministers and heads of agencies from the Merah Putih Cabinet.
"Infrastructure development requires land, but land requires legal certainty, accessibility, clear zoning, and harmonisation with environmental and social considerations. For this reason, the Ministry of ATR/BPN is working with other ministries and agencies to realise a unified spatial planning policy — an integrated approach that brings together land use, sectoral planning and development objectives into one comprehensive governance framework," said Deputy Minister Ossy.
In his speech entitled "Right Infrastructure in the Right Place: Spatial Planning for Impactful Infrastructure", Deputy Minister Ossy emphasised that infrastructure must not be built solely on technical considerations but must directly address the needs of communities. He cited the importance of prioritising public services, such as ensuring connectivity to underserved areas, building healthcare facilities in locations with genuine need, and providing affordable housing near employment centres.
Beyond social aspects, Deputy Minister Ossy highlighted the importance of infrastructure resilience against risks such as climate change and natural disasters. He noted that spatial planning can serve as an effective mitigation tool. In this regard, the Ministry of ATR/BPN has introduced several measures for climate change adaptation, including flood and earthquake potential mapping, zoning regulations that prevent settlements in high-risk areas, and the allocation of green open spaces in urban areas.
"We understand that these efforts are not yet perfect, but we continue to improve them for the good of Indonesia," the Deputy Minister said.
The ICI 2025 conference ran from 11–12 June 2025. On the second day, keynote speeches were also delivered by a number of ministers and heads of agencies from the Merah Putih Cabinet.