Bustami Zainudin: Jokowi Deserves to be Called the Father of Indonesian Infrastructure Development, His Work is Felt Throughout the Regions

14 August 2026 oleh admin

Jakarta, dpd.go.id — Member of the DPD RI/MPR RI for the Lampung Electoral District, Bustami Zainudin, appreciated the respect conveyed by the Speaker of the DPD RI, Sultan B Najamudin, to the previous Presidents at the Annual Session of the MPR RI and the Joint Session of the DPR-DPD RI in 2026, Friday (14/8/2026).

In his speech, the Speaker of the House of Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) expressed his appreciation to the presidents based on their respective achievements and contributions to the nation's progress. The Sultan bestowed the title "Father of Infrastructure" on the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi). This honor was conveyed in the DPD RI's capacity as an institution that plays a vital role in organizing Joint Sessions of the DPR and DPD RI.

Bustami Zainudin believes that calling Jokowi the Father of Indonesian Infrastructure Development is not merely an expression of respect, but has a strong basis considering the various developments that have taken place during his two terms in office.

"In my opinion, when Mr. Jokowi is called the Father of Indonesian Infrastructure Development, it's not just a nickname. It's a fact that we can see and feel on the ground. In almost every region, people have felt the impact of infrastructure development during his leadership," said Bustami.

According to Bustami, infrastructure development during the Jokowi era is not solely concentrated on Java but also aims to strengthen connectivity and expand economic access across various regions. The construction of roads, bridges, toll roads, ports, airports, dams, and other supporting infrastructure is part of the effort to strengthen the foundation of national development.

He believes this development is crucial for the region because infrastructure is key to breaking down isolation, facilitating community mobility, reducing distribution costs, and encouraging local economic growth.

"As DPD members representing the region, we've seen firsthand how infrastructure development has transformed the community. Previously difficult-to-reach areas have become accessible. Production centers are becoming more easily connected to markets. This is a legacy of development whose benefits persist even after a change of government," said Bustami.

Bustami emphasized that appreciation for the achievements of previous presidents should be placed within a national perspective. Each administration has its own challenges, policies, and achievements, which are part of Indonesia's journey.

Therefore, according to him, expressing appreciation for the work of previous leaders does not mean ignoring the shortcomings that occurred, but rather a form of respect for their real contributions while maintaining the continuity of national development.

"The most important thing is how to continue, refine, and further benefit the community with the good work that has been done.

Indonesia's development cannot stop simply because of a change in leadership. We must maintain and continue to develop what has become our foundation," he stressed.

Bustami also expressed his appreciation to President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who currently lead Indonesia, hoping they can continue to strengthen equity-oriented development and build on the foundations laid by the previous administration. He believes their leadership has brought a renewed spirit to accelerate national development and strengthen the welfare of communities across all regions.

"For us in the regions, development isn't just about numbers and statistics. It's about roads that can be used, bridges that connect, irrigation that revitalizes agriculture, ports that open up trade, and access that gives people equal opportunities to progress," Bustami concluded.

The Speaker of the DPD RI's respect for the previous Presidents was part of the national message at the 2026 Annual Session of the MPR RI and the Joint Session of the DPR-DPD RI, which emphasized that every leader has a role and achievements in the long journey of Indonesia's development.