TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said that the development gap between western and eastern parts of Indonesia can be seen through uneven population distribution. The Minister said that the western part of Indonesia makes up 84.5 percent of the country's total population while only 15.5 percent of Indonesian population are living in the eastern part of the country. In addition, western parts of Indonesia contribute to 89.26 percent of the country's total gross regional product (GRP) while the eastern regions only provide 10.74 percent.
"Therefore, connectivity between eastern and western parts [of Indonesia] is a must. The sea toll [program] is a relevant concept from President Joko Widodo [to improve connectivity]," Budi said during the Public Discussion on Transportation in UOB Building, Jakarta on Monday, October 10, 2016.
According to Budi, the government will map the problems faced in developing transportation sector, such as high use of privately owned vehicles, which contributes to congestion in major cities. For example, Budi said that 62.52 percent of cars operating in Jakarta are privately owned cars.
Budi also stated that railway development and improvement have been going at a slow pace. The Transportation Ministry recorded that growth of railways only stands at 7.7 percent of the total 4,800 kilometers-long track across Indonesia. As a result, passengers and cargo train must share the same track.
In relation to air transportation, Budi said that capacity of airports across Indonesia must be improved. Since back 2004, air transportation sector continues to record double digit growth rate, while airport growth continue to lag behind. "The number of passenger grows rapidly, but there’s a lag in [airport] capacity [growth]," Budi said.
Budi added that the President has instructed the Transportation Ministry to step up transportation development. "We will make a breakthrough to address the problem. We will prioritize remote areas, from villages," Budi said.
ANGELINA ANJAR SAWITRI
