Driyarkara School of Philosophy, Jakarta and ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore

Towards Balanced Growth: Eastern Indonesia’s Strategic Role in National Development Amidst Regional and Global Shifts

Eastern Indonesia (Kawasan Timur Indonesia, KTI) is poised to play a transformative role in Indonesia’s national development as the country prepares for the relocation of its capital from Jakarta to Nusantara. This significant move underscores the importance of a more equitable distribution of economic opportunities and resources across Indonesia. Despite the region’s rich natural resources and cultural diversity, KTI continues to face development challenges, including gaps in infrastructure, human capital, and economic integration. On the regional and global fronts, KTI’s role is further accentuated by ASEAN connectivity initiatives and the growing global emphasis on sustainable, green energy transitions. With rich mineral reserves essential to green technology, KTI has the potential to become a significant player in global supply chains. However, maximising these opportunities without compromising environmental and community integrity requires a sustainable development model that promotes both resource stewardship and economic growth. This presentation explores the future prospects and challenges for KTI’s development, analysing how regional and global dynamics intersect to shape its trajectory and its essential role in a balanced national strategy.

Biography

Dr Yanuar Nugroho is a Visiting Senior Fellow at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute Singapore, Senior Lecturer at Driyarkara School of Philosophy, Jakarta and Honorary Research Fellow with the University of Manchester’s Institute of Innovation Research, UK. He is also the Expert Coordinator at the National SDGs Secretariat at the Ministry of National Development Planning and former Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (2015-2019), Indonesia. His research interest revolves around innovation, sustainability, knowledge dynamics, public policy, and foresight. His most recent publications cover evaluation of 20 years of decentralisation in Indonesia (Southeast Asia Economies, 2021), knowledge exchange through social capital in supply chains (Supply Chain Forum, 2022), science leadership and Indonesia’s young academy movement (PNAS Nexus Special Feature, 2024) and review of prospects of foresight in Indonesia (Foresight, 2024). He co-edited the first academic book on Indonesia’s new capital and co-authored a chapter on the historical context of Indonesia’s capital relocation.