ASIATODAY.ID, BATU — Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), has called on the Indonesian Chinese Social Association (PSMTI) to strengthen collaboration with the government in promoting economic equity and national connectivity across the archipelago.
The message was delivered during the National Working Meeting (Rakernas) and the 27th Anniversary Celebration of PSMTI, held in Batu City, East Java, on Friday, October 24, 2025.
“Indonesia is a great and diverse nation. Our brothers and sisters of Chinese descent have made significant contributions to our country’s social and economic development. Therefore, synergy between the government and communities such as PSMTI is vital to achieving a more equitable and connected Indonesia,” said AHY in his keynote address.
Driving Economic Equity Through Connectivity
Minister AHY emphasized that under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia’s development agenda focuses on regional equity and infrastructure efficiency.
He underscored that development must not remain concentrated in major cities but should also reach remote and eastern regions of the country.
“Connectivity is the key to progress. As the world’s largest archipelagic nation, Indonesia cannot rely solely on land transport. Our seas and air routes must serve as bridges of unity, not barriers,” he asserted.
AHY highlighted that maritime logistics remain a major challenge in ensuring equitable economic growth. He recently held a coordination meeting with all governors across Papua to accelerate basic infrastructure projects in the eastern region.
“We are committed to strengthening inter-island connectivity and basic infrastructure so that the eastern provinces can grow at the same pace as western Indonesia,” he added.
Encouraging Investment and Multisector Collaboration
Acknowledging limited fiscal capacity, AHY called for stronger public–private investment partnerships to bolster infrastructure and advance national priorities such as education, health, food security, energy, and water management.
“We need sustainable cooperation. The government welcomes investment and collaboration from all sectors, including organizations like PSMTI, to drive inclusive economic growth,” AHY said.
He further clarified that efforts to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should not be misinterpreted as hostility toward large businesses.
“Pro-small-business policies should never mean anti-big-business. We must find balance — help the small, protect the large,” AHY emphasized.
Creating a Healthy Business Climate: “No Need for Help, Just Don’t Be Disturbed”
In a reflective dialogue before nearly a thousand entrepreneurs attending the event, AHY underscored the need for a stable and corruption-free business environment to support Indonesia’s economic transformation.
“Big businesses do not need government assistance — they just need not to be disturbed. That’s enough,” he declared, drawing applause from participants.
AHY also noted that in the past decade, Indonesia’s middle class has shrunk by nearly eight million people, while the nation’s per capita income stands at only USD 4,800. To reach developed-country status, Indonesia must increase it to USD 12,000 per capita.
He explained that the new economic direction under President Prabowo aims to empower lower- and middle-income communities by fostering resilient, independent small entrepreneurs — “small but mighty,” as AHY put it.
PSMTI’s Role in a Unified and Inclusive Indonesia
The Indonesian Chinese Social Association (PSMTI) has long been recognized for its active role in social and economic empowerment.
AHY praised the organization as a model for social entrepreneurship and civic solidarity, bridging communities across ethnic and business lines.
“We aim to build not only a prosperous Indonesia, but also an inclusive one — where the government, entrepreneurs, and society move together in a shared spirit of national collaboration,” AHY concluded. (AT Network)
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