Analyst: President's visit to railway embankment as a step to "shop" for problems

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Researcher from Indikator Politik Indonesia, Bawono Kumoro, views President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to the railway embankment area in Senen, Central Jakarta, on Thursday (26/3) to inspect and greet residents, as a step to “shop” for problems directly from the field.

Bawono, in a statement received in Jakarta on Friday, explained that this approach overturns the concept of blusukan, which is often seen merely as a strategy to gain electoral advantage in general elections (elections), and the best solution to address problems.

“Instead of using it as a means to achieve electoral superiority, Prabowo is utilising blusukan as a means to ‘shop’ for problems directly from the field while also designing policies that the government must produce as the best solution to address those problems,” said Bawono.

According to him, by conducting a blusukan to the slum settlement along the railway in central Jakarta, Prabowo is not pursuing or aiming for electoral advantage because the elections are still far away.

He assessed that Prabowo is instead carrying out the blusukan to look more closely at one of the most important and fundamental problems for the majority of families in Indonesia, namely ownership of proper housing or accommodation.

“Prabowo is fully aware that ownership of proper housing is one of the political promises and commitments that he must fulfil to the Indonesian people. Like food and energy, Prabowo views the issue of ownership of proper housing as one of the important instruments in bringing about welfare,” he stated.

Previously, Prabowo visited the slum settlement along the railway tracks in Senen, Central Jakarta. During the visit, the President engaged in extensive dialogue with the local residents.

“Hearing the aspirations of the community there, Insyaallah we will soon build decent housing for the community in that area quickly. And it has become my determination to provide decent housing for the Indonesian people,” said Prabowo on Thursday (26/3).

The Government Communication Agency stated that upon arriving at the location, the President stepped out of his vehicle and greeted the public. Residents from various backgrounds appeared enthusiastic, approaching to shake hands and directly convey their aspirations.

“This afternoon, I toured the settlement along the railway tracks in the Senen area, Central Jakarta. Located about 3 km from the city centre of Jakarta. Hearing the aspirations of the community there,” said the President.

Prabowo stated that the government will move quickly to prepare the construction of decent housing for the residents along the embankment.

He said that providing safe and proper accommodation is the government’s determination in improving public welfare.

“InsyaAllah we will soon build decent housing for the community in that area quickly, and it has become my determination to provide decent housing for the Indonesian people,” he said.