Quantitative Analysis of Land Transportation Facilities and Infrastructure (SDG 9) with Labor Absorption Related to GRDP (SDG 8) in West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia

Objective: This research is part of the Indonesian government's program to build resilient infrastructure and its impact on economic development. This research aims to examine and analyze the influence of road infrastructure, land transportation facilities, and labor absorption on Gross Regional Domestic Product. Theoretical Framework: Economic theory states that infrastructure is a form of public capital carried out by the government in the form of investments such as roads, bridges, and sewerage systems (Parintak, 2022). Transportation infrastructure is an essential basic network infrastructure and must be provided before other development projects, as it plays a crucial role as a driver of economic development (Palilu, 2022). Method: This research uses a quantitative research approach with panel data regression analysis. The regression analysis was preceded by model testing using secondary data from 2017 to 2021 in 14 regencies/cities in West Kalimantan Province, processed using Eviews 12 software. Results: The partial results of the study demonstrate that road length has a positive and significant effect on GRDP, the number of land transportation vehicles has a positive and significant effect on GRDP, and the number of employed people has a positive and significant effect on GRDP. Considered simultaneously, road length, land transportation vehicles, and the number of employed people significantly influence GRDP, with a coefficient of determination of 79.23%, with the remaining 20.77% influenced by other variables. Research Implications: Practically, these findings can inform government efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8 and 9. Investing in infrastructure, industrialization, and innovation can boost economic growth, along with high employment, and ultimately create a better and more prosperous future for all. Originality: This study contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and infrastructure economics literature, particularly in relation to public capital and its impacts. The positive impacts of infrastructure development include building connectivity between regions and opening up isolation between regions; and supporting the smooth running of regional economies and increasing economic activity.