The quest for achieving equitable national development has long been at the forefront of Indonesia’s policy agenda. Central to this mission is the transformation of its 3T regions, an acronym encompassing the geographically remote and economically marginalized areas collectively referred to as “Daerah Tertinggal, Terdepan, dan Terluar.” These regions present a unique confluence of geographical, social, economic, and cultural factors that render them less developed compared to their counterparts on the national scale.
Defined by the Indonesian government every five years based on specific criteria, indicators, and sub-indicators of underdevelopment, the status of “Daerah Tertinggal” designates a region for targeted development efforts over a designated period. As of April 2020, President Joko Widodo identified 62 regencies that continue to fall within the Daerah Tertinggal category for the 2020–2024 period. These regions are spread across provinces, including North Sumatera, West Sumatera, South Sumatera, Lampung, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, Central Sulawesi, Maluku, North Maluku, West Papua, and Papua
However, despite various development initiatives, the average economic growth in these marginalized regions exhibited a declining trend from 2014 to 2019. According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the declining growth trend was most pronounced from 2016 to 2018 when the average growth rate dropped from 6.53% in 2015 to 4.99% in 2018. While there was a slight recovery in 2019, with a growth rate of 5.11%, it still fell short of the 2015 peak. It is worth noting that during this period, the growth rate in these underdeveloped regions remained above the national average.
The urgency of addressing these issues cannot be overstated. Bridging the economic disparities and overcoming the myriad challenges faced by these regions is not only a matter of regional development but also a critical element in achieving national economic equality. This essay will delve into the pressing need to explore and implement solutions for the 3T regions, ultimately fostering economic growth, reducing disparities, and advancing the nation’s economic development agenda.
Indonesia’s designation of certain regions as “Daerah Tertinggal, Terdepan, dan Terluar” (3T Regions) is grounded in specific criteria encompassing three crucial dimensions: Economy, which includes poverty rates, economic growth, per capita income, and the Human Development Index. People and human resources, comprising indicators such as health, education, demographics, and local wisdom. Infrastructure and facilities, covering the availability of basic amenities like roads, electricity, clean water, telecommunications, and transportation. Fiscal capacity of the regions, incorporating potential local revenue, capital expenditure, and fiscal self-reliance.
The vexing issue of poverty perpetuates a vicious cycle in these regions. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (Badan Pusat Statistik or BPS) reveals that the poverty rate in 3T areas stands at 24.56%, significantly higher than in other parts of Indonesia. According to research by Mawaddah and Nazir (Mawaddah & Nazir, 2023), the analysis of local taxes and regional levies’ contribution to Regional Original Revenue (PAD) in the Lebong Regency indicates that 3T regions continue to grapple with increasing revenue and reducing poverty levels. This underscores the prevailing higher poverty rates in these regions compared to others.
Evident disparities also emerge in the realm of education marked by high illiteracy rates, school dropouts, and limited access to quality educational facilities and skilled educators. According to the BPS, literacy rates in some 3T regencies, such as those in Papua and Maluku, remain below 80%. In contrast, non-3T areas generally boast higher literacy rates, surpassing 90%. Research by Nisa and Samputra (Nisa & Samputra, 2020) on educational inequalities in West Papua Province highlights significant disparities between regions within the province. These findings underscore the challenges 3T areas in West Papua face in enhancing education access and quality.
Serious infrastructure limitations pose a formidable barrier to the development of 3T regions. Access to roads, electricity, and clean water is often constrained in these areas. Data from the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (Kementerian Pekerjaan Umum dan Perumahan Rakyat or PUPR) indicates that several regencies in 3T areas continue to grapple with challenges related to proper road access and stable electricity supply. Poor accessibility, driven by their remote locations, difficult or hazardous terrain, and limited transportation infrastructure. These factors result in high logistics costs, challenges in distributing goods and services, and restricted mobility for residents.
The Human Development Index (HDI) measures human well-being based on health, education, and income. HDI data from the Central Statistics Agency illustrates that 3T regions exhibit lower HDI scores compared to non-3T regions. Provinces like West Papua and East Nusa Tenggara have HDI scores below 60, indicating lower levels of human development in these areas. In contrast, non-3T regions generally maintain HDI scores around 70, reflecting relatively better conditions in terms of health, education, and income. This stark contrast in HDI scores underscores the pressing need for targeted development efforts to bridge these regional disparities and improve the overall well-being of Indonesia’s population.
Health disparities in Indonesia’s underserved regions pose a critical issue, reflecting inequalities in healthcare access and quality. Quantitative data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) indicates that many 3T areas struggle with adequate healthcare facility access. High maternal and child mortality rates, limited medical personnel and facilities, and challenges in drug distribution are primary impediments hampering health improvement efforts in these regions. These inequalities not only affect life expectancy and quality of life for residents in underserved areas but also have adverse repercussions on national health targets.
The daunting flypaper effect stands as a formidable obstacle to achieving economic self-reliance in Indonesia’s 3T regions. While substantial support from the central government is undeniably crucial, the stark reality often reveals a different narrative (Junaidi, 2011). These marginalized regions and their local governments find themselves ensnared in a ceaseless struggle to address immediate, pressing concerns, relegating long-term development objectives to the background. This prioritization of day-to-day necessities arises from the multifaceted challenges they confront, including woeful infrastructure, limited access to healthcare and education, and the Herculean task of providing basic services to their populations. Thus, the high flypaper effect perpetuates a cycle where financial assistance, while abundant, often fails to catalyze sustainable economic growth and self-sufficiency (Utami & Iskandar, 2021) .
Despite the hurdles, the 3T regions possess substantial potential and opportunities to address disparities and support the national economy. One of the primary assets of these regions lies in their rich and diverse natural resources, including forests, fisheries, agriculture, and mineral resources (Suryanto & Prasetyo, 2020). When managed sustainably and with environmental consideration, these resources can serve as significant revenue sources and vital contributors to the national economy. Moreover, the 3T regions boast unique cultural richness and untapped tourism potential. The natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local traditions can attract tourists, in turn boosting regional income and providing economic benefits to local communities.
The overarching question that arises is how to confront these challenges and harness existing potential. Inclusive economics, where the benefits of development reach all segments of society, is a promising approach. Building infrastructure, improving education and healthcare, and fostering sustainable economic activities are critical steps toward addressing these issues and steering the 3T regions toward prosperity and, by extension, contributing to national economic growth (Kusumawati & Suhartono, 2019) .
Inclusive economics represents a visionary approach to socio-economic development that seeks to bridge disparities and ensure equitable access to opportunities, resources, and benefits for all segments of society (Murod & Santoso, 2023). In the context of Indonesia’s 3T regions, encompassing remote and underdeveloped areas, inclusive economics serves as a strategic blueprint for catalyzing transformative change. At its core, inclusive economics acknowledges that true prosperity can only be achieved when the fruits of development reach every corner of the nation, leaving no community or individual behind. It embodies a commitment to dismantle economic barriers, harness untapped potential, and empower local communities to actively participate in their own development journey.
The implementation of inclusive economics in Indonesia’s 3T areas is an intricate and multi-faceted endeavor, guided by a comprehensive program that addresses critical dimensions of development. Firstly, infrastructure development takes center stage, with strategic investments in transportation, utilities, and connectivity aimed at improving accessibility and reducing isolation. Robust and well-maintained infrastructure not only facilitates the flow of goods and services but also fosters an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and investment (Murod & Santoso, 2023) .
Secondly, education assumes a pivotal role in promoting inclusive growth. Initiatives to enhance the quality of education and expand access to it are imperative (Anand et al., 2014). This involves not only building and upgrading schools but also ensuring the availability of skilled educators and a curriculum that aligns with local needs and potential. By nurturing a knowledgeable and skilled workforce, inclusive economics empowers individuals to participate actively in economic activities and innovation.
Thirdly, healthcare is a cornerstone of inclusive development. Accessible and quality healthcare services, along with health education and awareness programs, can significantly improve the well-being of 3T area residents. This includes addressing high maternal and child mortality rates, infectious diseases, and malnutrition that disproportionately affect these regions.
Furthermore, inclusive economics prioritizes the empowerment of local communities through sustainable economic activities (Siddik, 2017). Leveraging the abundant natural resources in 3T areas, such as forestry, fisheries, agriculture, and minerals, is essential. Sustainable resource management practices ensure that these assets become not only sources of revenue but also engines for local development. Additionally, the preservation and promotion of unique cultural heritage and tourism potential serve as vehicles for economic growth.
One exemplary illustration of inclusive economics in action can be found in the revitalization efforts of the Arfak tribe in West Papua’s remote 3T areas. Through a collaborative project with government agencies and non-governmental organizations, the Arfak tribe has harnessed its traditional agricultural practices and knowledge to establish community-owned and sustainable farming cooperatives. These cooperatives not only improved local food security but also generated income through the sale of agricultural produce.
In the field of education, initiatives like the “Kelas Inspirasi” program have successfully connected students in 3T regions with professionals from diverse fields, broadening their horizons and aspirations. This exposure has led to increased educational motivation and engagement among students. Additionally, healthcare outreach programs have been instrumental in reducing maternal and child mortality rates in remote areas. By providing mobile healthcare clinics and training local health workers, vulnerable communities gain better access to healthcare services and health-related knowledge.
In conclusion, the pursuit of inclusive economics in Indonesia’s 3T regions holds the promise of profound transformation. As we have explored, this visionary approach prioritizes equitable development, infrastructure enhancement, quality education, accessible healthcare, and sustainable economic activities. Real-life examples attest to its potential for catalyzing positive change and ensuring that the dividends of progress reach even the most remote and underprivileged communities. By embracing the principles of inclusive economics, Indonesia embarks on a journey toward a future where every citizen, regardless of their geographical location, can partake in the nation’s growth story, reshaping the landscape of the 3T areas and fostering a more prosperous, harmonious, and inclusive society for all.
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