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Jokowi lauded the construction of 2,700 kilometers of toll roads, 50 new ports and airports, and over 1 million hectares of irrigation canals as pivotal in connecting the vast Indonesian archipelago. Delivered to the People’s Consultative Assembly ahead of Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day, the speech outlined key accomplishments that have shaped the largest economy in Southeast Asia. He highlighted that these developments significantly reduced logistics costs from 24% to 14%, improving Indonesia’s global competitiveness.
Economic growth was another cornerstone of Jokowi’s tenure. Despite global challenges, Indonesia maintained a steady 5% growth rate and kept inflation between 2% and 3%. Jokowi also celebrated social achievements, including a dramatic reduction in extreme poverty from 6.1% to 0.8%, as well as significant strides in education and healthcare. His administration’s focus on reducing childhood stunting rates—from 37.2% to 21.5%—was particularly praised.
Reflecting on his efforts to modernize Indonesia’s legal and economic framework, Jokowi pointed to legislative reforms like the overhaul of the criminal code and the Law on Job Creation, which streamlined over 1,200 regulations. He also expressed hope for Indonesia’s continued advancement towards its 2045 Golden Indonesia vision, a long-term goal for the nation’s prosperity.
However, the president acknowledged his administration’s challenges, particularly delays in his signature Nusantara project, a $32-billion initiative to move the capital from sinking Jakarta to Borneo. He also faced criticism for supporting the candidacy of his son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as vice president, raising concerns about the establishment of a political dynasty.
Jokowi prepares to step down in October, he leaves behind a complex legacy marked by significant progress in infrastructure and development, yet also clouded by controversies and the daunting task of transitioning power to President-elect Prabowo Subianto.