The Definition of Infrastructure

Infrastructure, as stated by the American Public Works Association (Stone, 1974 in Kodoatie, R.J., 2005), refers to the physical facilities needed by public institutions to provide services such as water, electricity, sanitation, transportation, and similar services. Infrastructure is a physical system that supports the basic needs of humans in social and economic scopes.

Technically, infrastructure refers to physical assets designed as part of a system to provide essential public services. Infrastructure systems include basic facilities, equipment, and installations necessary to operate the social and economic systems of society. Infrastructure plays an important role as a mediator between the economic and social systems, ensuring a harmonious balance between human needs and environmental sustainability.

Infrastructure Development in Forest Villages of South Sumatra

In the context of infrastructure development in South Sumatra Province, it is important to look at the facts reflected in the official statistical data issued by BPS (Central Statistics Agency) to provide a proportional understanding of infrastructure financing in this region.

Here are some statistical facts about forest villages in South Sumatra Province:

• Province Area: 91,592.43 km²
• Forest Area: 34,087.54 km² (37.21% of the total area)
• Number of Villages: 3262
• Number of Forest Villages: 967 (29.64% of the total villages)
• Location of Forest Villages by Forest Function: 318 conservation areas, 610 protected forests
• Village Development Status: 155 backward forest villages, 15 self-reliant villages
• Social Forestry Permits: 71 forest villages (2018 data)
• Livelihoods: 947 forest villages depend on the agricultural sector, mostly in plantations and rice farming
• Service Access: 524 forest villages still have residents without electricity, 605 villages do not have BTS (Base Transceiver Station)
• Health Infrastructure: 136 villages do not have latrines, 107 villages experience malnutrition cases
• Education Access: 909 villages have elementary schools, but most need improved accessibility
• Transportation Access: 28 villages cannot be accessed by four-wheeled vehicles, 46 villages are signal blank spots, 28 villages do not have public transportation access

These statistical data provide an overview of the challenges and infrastructure needs in forest villages in South Sumatra. Improvement and development of infrastructure in this region must take into account the diversity of conditions and needs of each village to achieve inclusive and sustainable development. Thus, infrastructure development in South Sumatra is not just about building physical facilities but also about building a better and more equitable society.

Contributor:

Meiardhy Mujianto