Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government is planning to start repairs of regional roads from the third quarter of this year, as per Presidential Instruction Number 11 of 2025 on Regional Road Connectivity Improvement to Support Food and Energy Self-Sufficiency.

Confirming the plan in a statement received here on Friday, Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo said that good connectivity and infrastructure are vital for improving national competitiveness, boosting regional economies, and ensuring broad-based development across Indonesia.

“With an effective and efficient improvement of regional roads, we believe that the potential of food and energy sources in regions will develop to the fullest and contribute positively to people’s welfare,” Hanggodo added.

He said that the presidential instruction covers repairs of damaged roads at the provincial, municipal, and district levels. The minister added that a budget of nearly Rp4 trillion (US$245 million) has been earmarked for the initiative.

According to government data, 531 regional governments have submitted at least 3,136 road repair proposals as of July 22, 2025. The proposals are currently being verified, and will be listed accordingly.

Hanggodo said that in evaluating the proposals, the government will take some factors into account, for instance, their potential impact on local economic growth, food self-sufficiency, and regional connectivity.

“So, many of our fields, when it is harvest season, (the produce) has a hard time being delivered to the nearest markets. Hence, one reason why this presidential instruction on regional roads is needed,” he elaborated.

It is a strategic move by the central government to develop connectivity, Hanggodo opined. Better regional roads are expected to enable the smooth distribution of food and energy, reduce logistic fees, and present opportunities for new businesses and investment for regions, he said.

The Presidential Instruction Number 11 of 2025 is needed in order to achieve the goals elaborated in Asta Cita. The initiative is also in line with the ministry’s strategy to unlock the full economic potential of regions by improving their connectivity and infrastructure.

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