Ahmad Luthfi Welcomes 'Jateng Guyub' Community, Vows to Follow Up on Aspirations

In an open dialogue, Ahmad Luthfi affirmed that the Rumah Rakyat (People’s House) is a space for all members of society to convey their aspirations directly to the government. According to him, expressing opinions in public is a constitutional right guaranteed by law, provided it is done in an orderly manner and does not disrupt public order.

“I am very pleased that you have all come here. The draft has been prepared since yesterday by the Assistant Secretary. The sugarcane issue has been resolved, as well as environmental matters and so on. This is the face of the governor’s house being the people’s house,” said Ahmad Luthfi in a written statement on Friday (24/7).

He appreciated the conduciveness of the Jateng Guyub action, saying that orderliness in expressing opinions is an important asset in developing the region.

Luthfi explained that the various aspirations conveyed by the public have begun to be followed up since the initial meeting with Jateng Guyub representatives on Monday (20/7).

While he carries out his governing agenda across various regions, officials of the Central Java Provincial Government continue working to catalogue and follow up on every report from the public.

“That is how governance works. It is not a one-man show, not Superman,” he said.

As proof that public reports are being directly followed up, Luthfi said the Central Java Provincial Government has prepared 56 sugarcane transport trucks to assist farmers in Blora Regency. The assistance is a response to issues raised by the community and is now entering the implementation stage.

In addition, Luthfi reminded all state senior high schools (SMA Negeri) in Central Java not to engage in facilitation practices or illegal fees in education. He asserted he would impose firm sanctions on school principals who violate this.

“Not a single SMA in our area may practice facilitation. No titip, no jastip (drop-off services). If there is any, I will remove the principal,” said Luthfi.

During the audience, one representative raised suspicions of criminalisation of residents in Blora. In response, Luthfi affirmed that the Central Java Provincial Government has no authority to intervene in law enforcement processes. However, the government is ready to provide assistance and facilitate coordination if needed.

“Assistance is fine. But law enforcement falls under the police and the prosecutor’s office, not the governor,” he said.

Nevertheless, he assured that all public reports would still be followed up according to their respective authorities.

“I have said it already: every complaint that comes in, I will visit,” he said.

Meanwhile, Iwanuddin Iskandar, Assistant for Governance and People’s Welfare at the Central Java Provincial Secretariat, said all input from Jateng Guyub has been received by the Provincial Government. The issues raised include mining, agriculture, agrarian conflicts, alleged criminalisation, infrastructure, and the sugarcane problem.

“We have received all the community’s input, which we consider very good,” said Iwanuddin.

According to Iwan, Governor Ahmad Luthfi always prioritises dialogue as a way to resolve people’s problems. Therefore, the Rumah Rakyat will remain open as a space for communication between the government and residents.

He explained that matters within the authority of the Central Java Provincial Government will be followed up promptly. “Meanwhile, those under the authority of the central government or regency/municipal governments will be coordinated with the relevant agencies,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Jateng Guyub Action, Joko Priyanto, expressed appreciation for Governor Ahmad Luthfi’s willingness to receive aspirations directly from Jateng Guyub representatives. He said there were a number of issues from various regions in Central Java conveyed to the Provincial Government.

Joko added that communication with the Central Java Provincial Government will continue regularly to oversee the resolution of various other issues, from agrarian conflicts, mining and agriculture to infrastructure problems in various regions.

Meanwhile, Itor, a Jateng Guyub representative from Batang, hoped that the government’s commitment would genuinely be realised through concrete action.

“We still believe in the system here in Central Java. I ask that the system truly be enforced as firmly as possible,” he concluded.