Transport Ministry Allocates the Largest Budget for West Java

KATADATA - One of the nation’s biggest public spenders, the Transport Ministry aims to improve the safety and security of transport facilities and in all of Indonesian provinces. So far, West Java has received the largest budget allocation.

The total budget allocated for the ministry is IDR 48.46 trillion, of which West Java receives IDR 3 trillion, or 6.2 percent. The ministry spends its huge budget in four major areas: improving the safety and security of transport facilities (IDR 12.5 trillion); improving service quality (IDR 5.5 trillion); increasing the capacity of transport facilities (IDR 22.4 trillion); and transport sector management and regulations (IDR 8 trillion). 

Development to support the ministry’s plan include construction of electric power plants, procuring aeroplanes for training purposes, and developing inter-province dual-track railways 

The ministry has also planned massive development for provinces outside Java. In the past, the western part of Indonesia, Java in particular, has been the focus of development, so the ministry is now turning its attention to developing the eastern part of the country, including improving roads, airports, towns, and other infrastructure.

Transport Minister Ignasius Jonan is holding talks with the governors of all the country’s provinces in an effort to get national and local governments on the same page when it comes to developing the transport sector. He hopes that getting input from the governors during the talks will help build good communication and coordination between the provinces and national government towards achieving the goal of an integrated transportation system across the archipelago.