Beyond Technical Road Rankings: Integrating Infrastructure Equity, Network Connectivity, and Maintenance Needs into Road Investment Decisions in the Global South

Fajar Ilman Tama; Ony Frengky Rumihin; Iswandaru Widyatmoko

doi:10.67412/jceegs.v1i2.79

Authors

Fajar Ilman Tama Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia
Ony Frengky Rumihin Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia
Iswandaru Widyatmoko Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.67412/jceegs.v1i2.79

Keywords:

Analytical Hierarchy Process, Global South, Infrastructure Equity, Road Maintenance, Road Prioritization, Network Connectivity

Abstract

Road investment in resource-constrained regions requires balancing engineering needs, network connectivity, and the equitable distribution of infrastructure benefits. This study evaluates the integration of road management data and expert-based priorities to support context-sensitive investment decisions. Using provincial roads in Gresik Regency, East Java, Indonesia, as a case study, a quantitative comparative approach was applied to assess priorities before and after integrating the Provincial/Kabupaten Road Management System with the Analytical Hierarchy Process. Five criteria were weighted: road condition and traffic volume, interregional connectivity, industrial development, logistics activity, and economic and settlement development. The integration altered technical priority index values and estimated five-year maintenance costs but did not change the ranking of the three road sections. Section 112 remained the highest priority (24.9), followed by Sections 110 (22.5) and 111 (7.5). Section 110 required the largest estimated five-year maintenance budget, at IDR 57.74 billion, illustrating the distinction between technical urgency and financial requirements. The findings frame road prioritization as a multidimensional decision problem rather than a purely engineering exercise. However, unchanged rankings do not independently demonstrate improved decision quality or equitable outcomes. Future research should incorporate spatial accessibility, underserved communities, road safety, climate exposure, and investment distribution, supported by sensitivity analysis and cross-regional validation. This approach could strengthen transparent and socially responsive road investment planning in the Global South.

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