Revealed: How Bappenas Designs Policies for Regional Development
The Deputy for Macro Development Planning at the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), Eka Chandra Buana, has emphasised the importance of policy alignment between the central government and regional authorities.
Eka explained that Bappenas, in planning development towards Indonesia becoming a developed nation by 2045 through the ‘Indonesia Emas 2045’ vision, also encompasses development within the regions. He revealed that regional development planning is designed based on the unique characteristics of each area, ensuring that planning is tailored to the specific needs and objectives of each region.
“Therefore, looking at the long term, we have themes per region. Why? Because it is impossible to apply the same policy in Java as we do in Sumatra or Papua and so on. In Java, for instance, industry is already well-established, accounting for a 30% share. However, in Papua, the focus may not be on industry, but perhaps on education and health,” he stated during an exclusive interview with CNBC Indonesia on Wednesday (16/09/2026).
“That is why we cannot allow a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Policies must remain adjusted to the characteristics of each region,” he explained.
He emphasised that the Ministry of National Development Planning provides planning support through the National Director, who creates the national long-term development plan. This is then cascaded down to the regions as regional long-term development plans, followed by medium-term development plans that are also distributed to the local levels.
In addition to planning, Bappenas is also responsible for the evaluation and control of established plans through coordination and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Regarding regional planning, Bappenas collaborates closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri). “We involve the Ministry of Home Affairs. For example, we are currently discussing high economic growth. It is impossible to achieve this only at the central level; we must consider the regions. That is why we rely on the Ministry of Home Affairs,” Eka explained.
One concrete action involves reviewing various regional regulations or other rules that may hinder regional growth. If such obstacles are found, it is the duty of the Ministry of Home Affairs to address them, while Bappenas operates at the central level.
Eka stated that the current form of coordination and collaboration is ideal for achieving regional development goals. “Since regional interests are also involved, the key importance now lies in how we synchronise national interests with regional interests,” he concluded.