Infrastructure Development Strategy in Increasing Connectivity Between Regions: A Case Study in North Tapanuli Regency, Indonesia

This study aims to examine infrastructure development carried out by the local government and formulate a strategy to accelerate infrastructure development in increasing inter-regional connectivity in North Tapanuli Regency, Indonesia. The qualitative descriptive research method was employed in the study. The data collection technique is through interviews with purposively determined informants from government circles and parties related to infrastructure development. Observation techniques and documentation studies were also used in this study. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques, including data condensation, data presentation and drawing conclusions. SWOT analysis is used to analyze internal and external factors to formulate a strategy to accelerate infrastructure development in increasing inter-regional connectivity in North Tapanuli. The results of the study show: 1) The construction of road and bridge infrastructure in North Tapanuli Regency has not been optimally implemented. 2) The strategy for accelerating infrastructure development in increasing inter-regional connectivity, namely the S-O (strength - opportunities) strategy, uses strength to maximize the utilization of existing opportunities. The strategy for accelerating development includes stakeholder synergy in funding, aspiration-based communication and coordination, capacity building and institutions as facilitators, government as a catalyst for participation, leadership as a mediator for synchronization between the implementation of development programs, and action plans based on linkages with the development of priority sectors.