Ima Mahdiah: Citizens' Aspirations Must Be Development Priority

Jakarta Deputy Speaker Ima Mahdiah has stressed that citizens’ aspirations conveyed through council members during the recess period must be a focus and priority in drafting development programmes. “Many residents hope that various proposals submitted can be realised optimally and not hampered by budget limitations,” Ima said after attending a plenary session commemorating Jakarta’s 499th anniversary on Monday. She noted that many people have voiced aspirations that needed programmes should not be fragmented due to alleged budget constraints. She expressed hope that the Jakarta provincial government can optimise the Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget to deliver programmes that have a direct impact on residents’ welfare. “With this surviving APBD, it is hoped the Jakarta provincial government can continue to be creative in building Jakarta and target improvements in public welfare,” she said. Regarding the theme of Jakarta’s 499th anniversary, “Moving Towards a New Era for Jakarta”, Ima assessed that the theme reflects a spirit to continue development amid fiscal conditions that differ from the previous year. According to her, approaching Jakarta’s 500th year, all levels of the provincial government need to keep innovating so that the wheels of development and public services continue to run well. “Even though the APBD conditions are not the same as last year, we must keep moving, remain creative, and continue making various efforts so that Jakarta’s development engine keeps running,” she said. She also invited the government and the public to continue strengthening collaboration in building the capital city. She hopes the Jakarta provincial government can continue to build public trust through quality services, while the community plays an active role in supporting various development programmes. “Hopefully the government and the community can continue to collaborate,” she said. She stated that the commemoration of Jakarta’s 499th anniversary is a momentum to continue strengthening development while resolving various major issues faced by the community. “The government must also continue to build public trust, so that residents feel comfortable and their needs can be met, especially for those who are not yet prosperous,” she said.