Infrastructure improvements are set to reshape the Jember region of East Java as significant projects kick off in early 2025. Notably, the long-awaited repair of the Rambipuji-Puger road is now underway, addressing years of degradation exacerbated by heavy truck traffic.
On February 26, 2025, local officials, compelled by instructions from East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, commenced work on the Rambipuji–Puger road, which has become notorious for its poor condition. Edi Cahyo Purnomo, member of the local DPRD Jember, expressed the urgency of addressing community complaints: "Kami lihat bahwa pengerjaan sudah dimulai sejak kemarin. Saat ini, dilakukan pelebaran bahu jalan dan pengerukan oleh petugas," indicating the initial stages of repairs focused on widening the road and clearing it of debris.
The repair project, which is budgeted at approximately Rp52 billion (around $3.3 million), has been characterized as both necessary and insufficient. Purnomo explained, "Ya memang anggarannya Rp30 miliar ini untuk pembetonan kurang lebih 2-5 km, kemudian Rp22 miliar sisanya digunakan untuk membenahi spot-spot yang mengalami kerusakan," highlighting the challenge of fixing just 2 to 5 kilometers of roadway with current funding.
These repairs come as part of broader efforts to support the infrastructure of Jember, especially since the road has been heavily traversed by oversized trucks belonging to PT Imasco Asiatic. The frequent wear and tear on the 46-kilometer road has raised concerns from local residents, prompting swift action from elected officials.
But the Rambipuji-Puger road repairs are not the only ambitious infrastructure projects slated for 2025. Hashim Djojohadikusumo, chairman of the Housing Task Force and special envoy to the president on climate and energy, announced plans to realize the government's ambitious "three million houses" program beginning after Ramadan 2025. This initiative is expected to lift housing standards across the country, fueled largely by foreign investments from Qatari sources amounting to between $18 to $20 billion.
At the CNBC Economic Outlook 2025 event, Djojohadikusumo stated, "Ini akan segera dimulai bulan April setelah lebaran. Investor dari Qatar bawa modal bangun 1 juta apartemen," expressing optimism about the transformative potential of foreign capital on Indonesia’s housing market.
The pressing housing need is significant: according to Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) data, around 11 million Indonesian families are currently seeking proper housing. The ultimate goal of providing homes for 37 million families is ambitious but backed by comprehensive planning and international investment, positioning the housing sector as a key growth driver.
Djojohadikusumo emphasized the lessons learned from nations such as Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and China, where housing development has been pivotal to economic growth. He noted, "Sektor perumahan dapat mendongkrak pertumbuhan ekonomi di Indonesia seperti yang terjadi di Jepang, Singapura, Korea Selatan, dan China," underlining the expected economic impact of this new phase of construction.
With the combination of road repairs and new housing developments, Jember and wider East Java can expect not only improved infrastructure but also potential economic revitalization. Local government officials are committed to overseeing both projects closely to maximize impact on their communities and to rectify years of neglect.
Through continued dialogue and diligence, both the repair of the Rambipuji-Puger road and the housing initiative slated to launch with Qatari investments represent significant steps toward addressing vulnerabilities and seizing opportunities for the region. Local leaders have called on community members to engage in the oversight of these projects, ensuring they meet the needs of the people they are intended to serve.