Editorial: Connectivity Leads To Competitiveness

Connectivity is the buzz word today when it comes to economic competitiveness. Whether in the halls of power in governments or in corporate boardrooms, those who understand the importance of connectivity and do something about it are likely to get ahead.

As a sprawling archipelago, Indonesia has long been connected with the world through its geographical location astride major trade routes. It was from these islands that the Bugis and other sea-faring people connected to the rest of the world.

Although times have changed and modern technology has altered the way we live, connectivity remains central to our nation’s life and economy. Only now we are lagging behind both in terms of virtual connectivity through the Internet and physical connectivity through airports and seaports.

As an island nation, we must do much better in upgrading our physical infrastructure so that our domestic economy can be better linked. There is now wide acceptance that we must have better seaports so that goods can flow more efficiently between the major islands, and better airports so that people can also move around faster.

We must improve our telecommunications infrastructure so we can connect with the rest of the world faster and with more cost efficiency.

To boost our economic competitiveness, we must invest in all areas that boost connectivity. The country will have an opportunity to do that this week when more than 30 US companies participate at the first Global Airports Indonesia Conference. The companies are looking to engage with Indonesia and help it improve its aviation industry.

The government is already working to upgrade the country’s major airports, but more can be done. The aviation industry and infrastructure will be critical in improving the country’s competitiveness, and having world-class airports is a top priority.