• The province made a compelling case for CoST as a catalyst for improving quality management processes in the infrastructure sector.

The Nusa Tenggara Barat, Province of Indonesia, has been granted membership to CoST, The Infrastructure Transparency Initiative, following a successful application submitted in December 2023.

This announcement comes as a recognition of the province’s steadfast commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in public infrastructure projects enshrined within their existing legal and policy framework. This is the second region from Indonesia to join CoST, after West Lombok. Five more regions have indicated interest to join CoST, we will be working with them in the coming months to establish their value proposition for infrastructure transparency.

The CoST board was highly impressed with the submission made by the Nusa Tenggara Barat Province, particularly highlighting the institutional mechanisms in place to promote transparency and accountability within the region.

Furthermore, the province’s compelling case for CoST’s approach as a catalyst for improving quality management processes, starting with the roads sector, stood out to the board members.

“I’m thankful for Nusa Tenggara Barat becoming a member of the CoST Programme. This is part of our commitment regarding transparency of public infrastructure. We will learn a lot by joining the CoST Programme”, said Ag. Governor H. Lalu Gita Ariadi, Government representative in the MSG.

Plans for membership include helping the delivery of high-quality road sector infrastructure projects, that will support in enhancing social and economic development in the region.

“Society Women Engineers from Nusa Tenggara Barat (SWE NTB) support the CoST programme because CoST plays a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability in infrastructure development by bringing together diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, and organization like SWE NTB”, added Fera Fitri Salsabilla, Private Sector representative.

The CoST family extends its warmest welcome to the province and pledges full support to their efforts.  We look forward to a fruitful relationship with the West Nusa Tenggara Province in advancing transparency, participation and accountability in infrastructure projects.

“This is a very good initiative in encouraging good governance, hopefully, we will use this platform to advocate for inclusive infrastructure that enables people with disabilities to access better services”, expressed Sri Sukarni, member of Women with Disability Group and Civil Society representative.

The work of CoST members has ensured a more efficient and transparent use of public funds invested in infrastructure projects in dozens of countries around the world. This includes addressing mismanagement, inefficiency and corruption preventing the sector’s full potential being realised. Better-quality infrastructure in these countries has improved lives by increasing access to essential services like education, health and water, and tackling climate change and gender inequalities and supporting people with disabilities.

In addition to working with CoST members at national and sub-national levels, CoST works internationally with a range of partners to share and promote experience and knowledge on transparency, participation and accountability, mainly through its International Secretariat.