Surabaya DPRD values Eri's commitment as aligned with President's programme
Surabaya — The Deputy Chairman of the Surabaya Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Arif Fathoni, believes that Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi’s commitment to driving Apeksi (Association of Indonesian Cities) to become a solution-oriented forum for all Indonesian city governments is aligned with the policy direction of President Prabowo Subianto.
According to Fathoni, amidst fiscal challenges and global economic dynamics, local governments must do more than just present problems; they are also required to provide innovation and solutions to ensure that development continues.
“Regional heads cannot merely complain, grumble, or blame the central government’s transfer policies to the regions. What is needed right now is innovation and collaboration,” Fathoni stated in Surabaya on Friday.
He appreciated the initiative taken by Eri Cahyadi, who also serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Association of Indonesian Cities (Apeksi), to encourage the 98 Apeksi members to utilise regional potential and innovation. This includes alternative financing schemes, such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and municipal bonds, as efforts to maintain sustainable development amidst fiscal constraints.
In his view, this step is not merely an idea but is born from the experience of the Surabaya City Government, which has implemented various innovations in development and public services.
“Mr Eri is not just inviting others, but also providing a role model. What he conveyed in the APEKSI forum has been proven through various innovations implemented by the Surabaya City Government. That experience is then shared with other cities through the transfer of knowledge and transfer of experience,” he said.
Fath_oni assessed that Eri Cahyadi’s commitment to making APEKSI a strategic partner to the central government is also in line with various priority programmes of the President, ranging from strengthening food security, energy security, and improving the quality of education, to the Free Nutritious Meal programme and the strengthening of cooperatives as a pillar of the people’s economy.
He noted that synergy between the central and local governments is a crucial factor in ensuring that all national programmes can be implemented optimally in the regions.
“I see Mr Eri’s commitment in Apeksi not only strengthens collaboration between city governments but also shows real support for the national development agenda that is a priority for the President. This is a form of leadership that prioritises solutions rather than just presenting problems,” he remarked.
Fathoni hopes that the spirit of collaboration and innovation built through Apeksi can serve as an inspiration for all city governments in Indonesia. By sharing experiences and innovations, every region will possess stronger capacity to improve public services while supporting the acceleration of national development.
“Regions must continue to build with a mindset of innovation and collaboration. When city governments are able to provide solutions and support the President’s priority programmes, the benefits will be felt directly by the community. I see Mr Eri’s leadership in Apeksi has demonstrated that direction,” he concluded.