West Java Anniversary: Sidkon Djampi Urges Reduction of Urban-Rural Disparity
The 81st anniversary of West Java Province has become a momentum to strengthen more equitable development between urban and rural areas.
West Java DPRD member Sidkon Djampi believes that equitable development must be one of the government’s main priorities in improving public welfare.
According to Sidkon, West Java’s progress cannot be measured solely by economic growth in urban centres. Development must also deliver tangible benefits to rural communities, particularly in access to education, health, infrastructure, the economy, and public services.
“There must not be too wide a disparity between urban and rural areas. West Java must grow together. Progress in cities must be accompanied by improved welfare for rural communities,” said Sidkon on Thursday (20/8/2026).
He said villages have great potential to become drivers of the regional economy. This potential includes the agriculture, plantation, livestock, creative economy, and micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sectors.
Therefore, the regional government needs to ensure that infrastructure development and connectivity are not concentrated solely in urban areas. Road access, internet, education, health, and support for rural business actors need to be continuously strengthened.
Sidkon also urged that development programmes be designed based on the needs of each region. According to him, the characteristics of West Java’s regions are highly diverse, so a one-size-fits-all development approach cannot be applied.
“Each region has different problems and potential. Policies must look directly at the needs of the community so that development is truly on target,” he said.
In the momentum of West Java’s 81st anniversary, Sidkon expressed hope that the spirit of development would be increasingly directed towards narrowing inter-regional gaps. Equitable development is an important part of realising a West Java that is advanced, independent, and prosperous.
“So the measure of development success is not only that cities are increasingly advanced, but that villages are also increasingly strong. If cities and villages grow together, West Java will become even more resilient,” he said.