Semarang City Government Policies Drive Economic Growth
A public policy expert from Diponegoro University (Undip), Bangkit Aditya Wiryawan, has said that the performance of the Semarang City Government over the past year shows a positive trend, particularly from the macroeconomic side. However, several important points still need attention, especially regarding equitable development.
Based on the latest data published by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), national economic growth was recorded at 5.3 percent. Meanwhile, the City of Semarang managed to record growth of around 5.37 percent, slightly higher than the national average.
“So, I think the contribution of the Semarang City Government in maintaining this growth rate is quite good. Over the past year, macroeconomic stability has been maintained,” he said.
According to him, this stability has had an impact on reducing the poverty rate in the City of Semarang. Although the rate of decline has not been as fast as in other regions, the downward trend continues and deserves appreciation. “In general, I see this positive trend as something that can be appreciated,” he said.
Based on the latest data published by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), national economic growth was recorded at 5.3 percent. Meanwhile, the City of Semarang managed to record growth of around 5.37 percent, slightly higher than the national average.
“So, I think the contribution of the Semarang City Government in maintaining this growth rate is quite good. Over the past year, macroeconomic stability has been maintained,” he said.
According to him, this stability has had an impact on reducing the poverty rate in the City of Semarang. Although the rate of decline has not been as fast as in other regions, the downward trend continues and deserves appreciation. “In general, I see this positive trend as something that can be appreciated,” he said.
He said that one of the factors contributing to economic growth is the Semarang City Government’s rapid response in addressing infrastructure issues, especially road repairs.
The operational assistance program for neighborhood units (RT) also encourages community spending, so the economic engine continues to run. However, the biggest contribution to economic growth still comes from the active role of the community. “Government policies and measures are positive,” he said.
In terms of equitable development, he acknowledged that infrastructure in the city center is relatively better than in the suburbs and border areas. This condition has the potential to widen the gap if it is not addressed immediately.
Meanwhile, the free public transportation program, such as feeder and BRT, is a policy that is very helpful for the community, especially students and vulnerable groups.
“This program is good and can be appreciated. If it can be expanded, it will be very helpful for school children and people who still lack access to transportation,” he explained.
In the future, the big challenge for the Semarang City Government still revolves around the issue of coastal erosion in the northern region. According to him, the Semarang City Government has limitations in handling this issue, so innovative steps and synergy with major projects such as the construction of a sea dike are needed.
In addition to infrastructure, he emphasized the importance of city government intervention in reducing population inequality.
“Maybe poverty is not the main problem in Semarang, but the inequality is. It is hoped that there will be innovations in poverty reduction and inequality reduction that are truly successful.”
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