Regent: Expansion of Banyumas must be aligned with budget capabilities
Purwokerto (ANTARA) - The Regent of Banyumas, Sadewo Tri Lastiono, stated that the expansion of the Banyumas Regency in Central Java needs to be adjusted to the government’s budgetary capacity to avoid burdening both the parent regency and the new autonomous regions.
“To be honest, I would be happy if the expansion occurs. However, based on my calculations, we are currently unable to afford it. This is my personal opinion,” he said in Purwokerto, Banyumas Regency, on Wednesday.
He noted that information regarding the discourse on the expansion of Banyumas previously pointed towards two regions, which then developed into a proposal for three regions.
However, expanding into two regions first—namely Purwokerto City and Banyumas Regency (with its capital in Banyumas District)—is more realistic than immediately forming three new autonomous regions, which would include Purwokerto City, East Banyumas Regency (capital in Banyumas District), and West Banyumas Regency (capital in Ajibarang or Wangon District).
He also mentioned hearing a ‘green light’ from the provincial government regarding the expansion discourse. However, he admitted he was not yet certain about the central government’s stance.
“The province has given a green light; as for the central government, I do not know yet,” he emphasised.
He explained that one option for expansion relates to the Purwokerto urban area and its surrounding territories. In these discussions, Purwokerto, Baturraden, and potentially Karanglewas were mentioned as areas that could be included in the expansion.
However, the details of these territories are not yet final and require further discussion.
“Creating a new regency is extremely expensive. Banyumas already has existing infrastructure. If Banyumas is developed, and then we have to build again in Wangon, the funds will be exhausted, and currently, there is no money,” he said.
He also warned of the potential reduction in Banyumas Regency’s Regional Original Income (PAD) if the urban areas are separated. According to him, the largest portion of the PAD currently comes from the Purwokerto City area.
“The largest PAD is in Purwokerto City; once the expansion happens, Purwokerto City will take its share. If we take the whole of Purwokerto City, Baturraden, and perhaps up to Karanglewas, the regency will suffer if the expansion occurs,” he said.
He assessed that the situation could be different if Banyumas possessed stronger infrastructure, including toll roads that could improve connectivity and attract investment. He cited the industrial area prepared in Wangon District, which has not yet optimally attracted investors due to infrastructure issues.
“All investors complain about the infrastructure in Banyumas,” he said.
Therefore, the Regent emphasised that any expansion must be carefully calculated, considering budget capacity, PAD, infrastructure, and the sustainability of regional development.
The plan to divide Banyumas into three regions was previously included in Regional Regulation Number 7 of 2009 concerning the Banyumas Regency Long-Term Regional Development Plan (RPJPD) 2005-2025.