He delivered this message at the 2025 International Conference on Infrastructure (ICI) in Jakarta on Wednesday (June 11).
Karnavian also highlighted the importance of changing the mindset of leaders and public officials regarding the importance of providing basic infrastructure.
He noted that development is essential for strengthening the economy and improving people's living standards.
"We need to change the mindset of leaders and public officials to be more aware of the importance of providing basic infrastructure to drive economic development and public welfare," he remarked.
The minister further highlighted the vital role of regional governments in expanding infrastructure access within their regions.
He noted that infrastructure development should be accompanied by the harmonization of policies among the central, provincial, and district/city governments to prevent overlapping regulations.
Karnavian also highlighted the importance of using a single database in infrastructure development planning. Integrated and accurate data will serve as the basis for identifying infrastructure needs, setting priorities, assessing current conditions, and forecasting future needs.
In addition, the minister encouraged innovation and healthy competition among regions.
He observed that regional heads have a strong drive to demonstrate their achievements, as they are directly elected by the people.
"Electability and popularity are two important words for regional heads. If they succeed in carrying out their duties, their electability will increase," he remarked.
Karnavian also invited regional heads to keep learning, both by exchanging best practices with other regions in Indonesia and by adopting innovations from abroad that suit local needs.
"We learn from more advanced countries and from innovations as reported by the media," he remarked.
He then reminded that the formulation of infrastructure policies must consider the country's diverse geography, including urban, coastal, remote, and isolated areas, each with unique characteristics and infrastructure needs.
Thus, he affirmed that infrastructure development must be directed to address the real needs of the community while strengthening national connectivity as a whole.
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Translator: Fianda Sjofjan R, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Primayanti
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