Penajam Paser Utara. During President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's 10-year administration, Indonesia has witnessed extensive infrastructure development with a focus on equitable distribution across provinces. The construction of village roads, for instance, not only symbolizes physical infrastructure growth but also marks the establishment of an Indonesia-centric civilization, moving away from a Java-centric focus.

In his speech at the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) on August 16, President Jokowi emphasized the achievements in village road construction, which have improved inter-regional connectivity. This development prioritizes remote and rural areas, ensuring that no region is left behind.

Over the past decade, the government has built 366,000 kilometers of village roads, 1,900 kilometers of village bridges, 2,700 kilometers of new toll roads, 6,000 kilometers of national roads, 1.1 million hectares of new irrigation networks, 43 dams, and 50 new ports and airports.

In East Kalimantan, the government has completed the renovation of 10 road sections and one bridge, including village roads near the new capital, Nusantara (IKN), in Penajam Paser Utara Regency. This has had a profound impact on the local population, particularly farmers.

As part of the Presidential Instruction on Village Roads Program, the government repaired a 9.6-kilometer road connecting three villages—Wonosari, Argomulyo, and Mentawir—in the Sepaku District near Nusantara.

Before the repairs, these village roads were in poor condition, consisting of dirt and rocks, making it difficult for farmers to transport their crops. However, since March 1, 2024, the roads have been upgraded to concrete, significantly improving access.

Local farmers have welcomed the changes. Previously, they struggled to sell their agricultural products due to the poor road conditions. Now, they can transport their crops with ease, boosting economic activity.

Gianto, a chili farmer from Wonosari, shared his experience: “For nearly four years, it was difficult to sell our harvests because of the bad roads. But now, with the new concrete roads, it’s much easier and faster to distribute our crops to neighboring villages. What used to take over an hour now takes just 15 minutes by motorcycle,” he told the Jakarta Globe recently.

Since the road repairs, farmers' incomes have nearly doubled. Previously, their average monthly earnings were around Rp 2 million. Now, thanks to improved access, their incomes have risen to Rp 4-5 million per month.

“With the improved roads, we can sell more, even online, and our earnings have doubled,” Gianto added.

Wonosari Village Head, Kasiyono, also recognized the positive effects of the Nusantara development. “With the rapid growth around Nusantara, our farmers have benefited greatly. The improved infrastructure has made it easier for them to transport their crops, which in turn boosts the village economy,” he said.

The government's support has greatly lifted the spirits of farmers in Wonosari and other villages near IKN. With better roads, they are now more eager to expand their farming operations, further enhancing the local economy.