"In the Wayang Kulit show, the puppets cast shadows on a screen called kelir, which the audience views. The puppet itself represents the physical body, while the shadow symbolizes the soul or spiritual essence. It highlights the belief in the duality of existence, where the material world (the puppet) is merely a shadow or reflection of the spiritual reality (the shadow on the screen). It emphasizes the importance of the inner self and spiritual enlightenment over physical appearances. Wayang performances bridge the material world (the puppets) and the spiritual realm (the stories and rituals). The Dalang (puppeteer) acts as a conduit, connecting both realms during the show. The Dalang controls the entire Wayang Kulit performance, manipulating the puppets and voicing the characters. The Dalang can be seen as a metaphor for the divine creator or the force of destiny, guiding the lives and actions of individuals (puppets). This reflects the belief in a higher power that orchestrates the events of the universe and the idea that life is a performance on the stage of existence.Our Ki Dalang then tells us, 'Semar, a beloved punakawan character, is known for his wit and wisdom. In one story, Semar slips on a banana peel and falls comically. Instead of getting angry, he laughs and says, 'Well, even the banana peel has its destiny!''Yes, anything can happen!' said Ki Dalang, knocking his cempala on the puppet box, creating rhythmic sounds.""Like in Wayang holds symbolism and allegory, good infrastructure can be likened to the spine of civilization, providing the essential support that allows all other functions of society to operate smoothly and efficiently. It's the nervous system that transmits the signals of growth and development throughout the country, ensuring that every region and sector functions in harmony and responds swiftly to opportunities and challenges," Seruni went on while looking at the picture of the San Fransisco Bridge."Good infrastructure acts like the circulatory system of the economy, efficiently pumping the lifeblood of commerce and connectivity through the arteries and veins of roads, railways, and networks. It’s the lifeline that sustains and nurtures development, ensuring that resources, goods, and services flow freely and reach every corner of the nation.Good infrastructure is like the bedrock upon which the edifice of progress is built, providing a stable and enduring foundation that supports sustainable development. It serves as the pillars that uphold the structures of advancement, bearing the weight of economic activities and social development. Good infrastructure acts as a catalyst for innovation, providing the necessary framework that allows new technologies and ideas to flourish and be implemented effectively. It is the powerhouse that drives economic growth, supplying the energy and momentum needed to propel a nation forward into new realms of success and achievement.Good infrastructure is like a well-maintained highway that leads directly to prosperity, reducing travel time and costs, and opening up new avenues for growth and opportunity. It acts as bridges that span the gaps between regions and communities, facilitating the exchange of ideas, goods, and services, and fostering greater unity and progress. Good infrastructure acts as a shield that provides stability and resilience, protecting society from the disruptions and uncertainties of natural disasters and economic fluctuations. It serves as an anchor that keeps the ship of society steady and secure, ensuring that even in turbulent times, there is a firm and reliable foundation to hold on to.Good infrastructure is like a blank canvas that invites the dreams and aspirations of a nation, providing the backdrop upon which the future is painted with broad and vibrant strokes. It acts as stepping stones that allow individuals and communities to cross the rivers of challenges and reach the shores of success and prosperity.Good infrastructure is like fertile soil that nurtures the seeds of development, allowing them to take root and flourish into a robust and thriving economy. It acts as a diligent gardener, carefully tending to the fields of opportunity and ensuring that the fruits of progress and prosperity are harvested in abundance.Good infrastructure is like a conductor of an orchestra, ensuring that every instrument, from roads to railways to power grids, plays in perfect harmony to create a symphony of efficient and coordinated development. It serves as a weaver that interlaces the threads of society, creating a cohesive and unified tapestry that enhances connectivity and fosters a sense of shared purpose.Good infrastructure is like a beacon that lights the path towards a sustainable and resilient future, guiding the nation with its steady and reliable glow. It acts as a custodian that preserves the legacy of progress and ensures that the benefits of development are protected and passed on to future generations.Indonesia’s infrastructure has long been a critical issue, impacting the country’s economic development, social equity, and overall quality of life. While there have been significant efforts to improve infrastructure, several failures and challenges continue to hinder progress.Despite recent increases, Indonesia’s investment in infrastructure has historically been insufficient. Limited budget allocations constrain the ability to develop and maintain essential infrastructure. There is a significant gap between the required infrastructure funding and the actual budget available. This shortfall hampers large-scale projects and maintenance.While the government seeks private sector involvement through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), regulatory hurdles, and investment risks often deter private investors. Infrastructure projects frequently face funding inconsistencies, leading to delays and incomplete projects.Infrastructure projects often overlook environmental sustainability, leading to issues such as deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction. There is a lack of emphasis on designing infrastructure that is sustainable and resilient to climate change and other environmental pressures.Infrastructure development is heavily concentrated in major urban areas like in Java, leaving rural and remote areas underserved. This concentration exacerbates regional disparities and limits economic opportunities in less-developed regions.Corruption leads to the misallocation of resources, inflated project costs, and substandard construction quality. It undermines the effectiveness of infrastructure investments. Lack of transparency in project bidding and execution creates opportunities for corruption and inefficiency.Major cities suffer from severe traffic congestion due to inadequate road networks and lack of public transportation options. Many roads, especially in rural areas, are in poor condition due to lack of maintenance and substandard construction practices.Public transportation systems are limited in coverage and capacity, failing to meet the needs of a growing urban population. Issues such as outdated infrastructure, poor management, and lack of investment hinder the effectiveness of public transportation.Despite progress, many regions still experience power shortages and unreliable electricity supply, affecting businesses and households. Heavy reliance on coal and other fossil fuels for electricity generation poses sustainability and environmental challenges. Renewable energy development faces significant policy and regulatory challenges. Insufficient investment in renewable energy infrastructure limits the country’s ability to transition to cleaner energy sources.Many areas, particularly in rural regions, struggle with access to clean and safe drinking water due to inadequate infrastructure and poor management. Water sources are often polluted due to industrial activities, inadequate waste management, and lack of proper sanitation facilities. A serious portion of the population lacks access to adequate sanitation facilities, leading to public health issues and environmental contamination. Gaps in sewage and wastewater treatment infrastructure exacerbate water pollution and health risks.There is a compelling digital divide between urban and rural areas, with rural regions having limited access to high-speed internet and digital services. Insufficient investment in digital infrastructure in remote areas limits economic opportunities and access to information. The quality of telecommunications services is often inconsistent, with frequent disruptions and limited coverage in certain areas. There is a need for continuous investment in upgrading technology to keep pace with growing demand and technological advancements.The failures in Indonesia’s infrastructure are multifaceted, involving issues of inefficiency, corruption, inadequate planning, regional disparities, maintenance challenges, and sustainability concerns.The development of infrastructure projects such as toll roads, high-speed trains, and airports in Indonesia has encountered various challenges and failures. These failures often stem from a combination of financial, administrative, and technical issues as well as the emergence of issues regarding the confiscation of land belonging to citizens.The Indonesian toll roads are like a Monopoly board designed by a three-year-old, where every property is a pothole and every chance card says, 'Go back to start.' Some toll roads have been criticized for poor construction quality, leading to rapid wear and tear and requiring frequent maintenance. Toll road construction has sometimes led to environmental damage, including deforestation and habitat disruption, raising concerns among environmental groups. Example, Jakarta-Cikampek Toll Road. This toll road has faced significant congestion and operational challenges, partly due to rapid urbanization and inadequate capacity planning.Trans-Java Toll Road. While a major infrastructure achievement, sections of the Trans-Java toll road have experienced construction delays, cost overruns, and land acquisition disputes.The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project, a flagship collaboration with China, has faced serious financial challenges, including cost overruns that have ballooned from an initial estimate of $6 billion to over $7.2 billion. The construction of the high-speed rail has raised concerns about its impact on local ecosystems, including deforestation and disruption of water sources.This high-speed train is like Alice’s adventure in Wonderland, but instead of meeting whimsical characters, you’re stuck in a rabbit hole of red tape and cost overruns. The project promised a bullet train but delivered a snail on rails, where the only thing moving fast was the escalation of costs and state finances must be at stake. The high-speed train is like the emperor’s new clothes, a grand vision that everyone praises, but when you look closely, you realize it's just a naked rail with nothing running on time.Many airport projects, including expansions and new constructions, have faced delays due to bureaucratic hurdles, funding shortages, and technical challenges. Budget overruns are common, often due to poor project planning, mismanagement, and changes in project scope. Despite expansions, many airports struggle with overcapacity, leading to congestion, long wait times, and reduced service quality. Inadequate maintenance practices have led to the rapid deterioration of facilities, affecting operational efficiency and passenger experience.Some airports have been built with substandard materials and construction techniques, resulting in issues like leaks, structural weaknesses, and frequent repairs. Many airports lack sufficient amenities and infrastructure to handle increasing passenger volumes, impacting their ability to provide a high-quality travel experience.Example: Kertajati International Airport. Located in West Java, Kertajati has struggled to attract airlines and passengers, leading to underutilization and financial losses. Issues such as poor connectivity and limited infrastructure have compounded these challenges.If you imagine all of these infrastructure projects as a fleet of ships, each proudly launched with a bottle of champagne, only to spring leaks and start sinking before they reach the open sea, it is like 'the sinking ship of State Projects.'We are still continuing with issues regarding Indonesia, biidznillah."Then Seruni read a poetry,In the archipelago's wide expanse,Where fortunes shift and debts enhance,A tale is told of fiscal lore,Alas! The debts, they grew and grew,Like bamboo shoots through the morning dew.'Oh dear Rupiah, where have you gone?'The minister sings a sorrowful song.
Citations & References:
- Gregory K. Ingram & Karin L. Brandt (Eds.), Infrastructure and Land Policies, 2013, Lincoln Institute
- Alberto Asquer, Regulation of Infrastructure and Utilities: Public Policy and Management Issues, 2018, Palgrave
- JamieS. Davidson, Indonesia's Changing Political Economy, 2015, Cambridge University Press
