Large-scale infrastructure development is not solely about physical construction—it is also about how a project can be built on a strong and sustainable social foundation. The case study of the Land Acquisition and Resettlement Action Plan (LARAP) for the Muara Juloi Dam in Central Kalimantan illustrates how an inclusive, data-driven, and culturally respectful approach to land acquisition and resettlement can be a key factor in the success of a national project. It’s not just about building for the people, but building with them. In this article, we explore how the LARAP strategy implemented in the Muara Juloi Dam project serves as a model for integrating infrastructure development, social safeguards, and environmental sustainability—a comprehensive approach worthy of deeper attention.