Regional Heads Claim Synchronizing Central-Regional Programs Is Easy

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - Several regional heads have expressed their readiness to support the priority programs of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka as outlined in Astacita. According to them, as long as these flagship programs aim to improve the welfare of the community, the regions will certainly support them.

The Spokesperson for the Governor of the Special Region of Jakarta (DKJ) Pramono Anung-Rano Karno, Chico Hakim, stated that from the beginning, the commitment of the candidate pair supported by PDI Perjuangan was to support the flagship program of Prabowo-Gibran. The alignment of central and regional government programs, for Jakarta, will not be difficult because, in fact, some of the flagship programs of the central government and Jakarta overlap and can complement each other.

"For example, for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. Pramono-Rano will instead create a program that can complement MBG, namely free breakfast which will be piloted as soon as they are inaugurated," said Chico.

Jakarta has no problem with the central government's priority programs.

According to Chico, with the region's still extensive fiscal capacity - because Jakarta is among the regions with significant Local Own-Source Revenue (PAD) - the local government still has ample room to maneuver. This space is intended both to support central government's flagship programs and to realize campaign promises.

"Jakarta has no problem with the central government's priority programs," said Chico.

The PDI-P politician mentioned several of Jakarta's existing priority flagship programs, such as the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP), whose beneficiaries will actually be increased. Although the country is tightening its budget through efficiency programs, Jakarta can still fund public service programs because its regional fiscal space is still very adequate.

"In Jakarta, the spirit of budget efficiency later will be to eliminate things that are considered less necessary so that they can be allocated to more necessary matters," said Chico.

For example, travel expenses will be reviewed so that the money can be allocated to finance public services. He also said that without the need for synchronization of central and regional programs, Pramono-Rano's flagship programs are actually aligned and overlap.

"Talking about Jakarta, Mas Pramono has committed to running the government according to the law. We will 100 percent support the Astacita program," said Chico.

Meanwhile, Indramayu Mayor Lucky Hakim when met on the sidelines of the dress rehearsal for the simultaneous inauguration of regional heads in Jakarta, Wednesday (19/2/2025), said that the Regional Long-Term and Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD) must be in line with the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN).

The goal of the state is ultimately to realize a just, prosperous, and prosperous society. As long as Prabowo-Gibran's flagship programs lead to that, synchronizing central and regional programs is considered not difficult.

"Indeed, there are still many regions that are not yet independent in terms of funding. Their Regional Original Income (PAD) is still low, and they still depend on assistance from the center. Of course, the center has a vision and mission from the president, governors, regents and mayors, if they are in line, it would be better," said the Nasdem Party politician.

However, according to him, the synchronization of central and regional programs must also be adjusted to local wisdom. Therefore, later during the retreat or leadership orientation at the Military Academy, Magelang, Central Java, he has also determined to voice his aspirations. First, for the regional government level II, namely districts and cities, sometimes the challenge lies in communication with the central government.

"In the retreat, perhaps we will be able to get to know each other not only institutionally, because the institution already has a structure. But we can also get to know each other personally, be able to talk and have access to communicate," said Lucky.

According to him, by meeting directly at Akmil, Magelang, he can also get to know personally and build emotional relationships with the district-city, provincial, and central governments. Thus, regional government programs are not only paradigm-based at the regional level, but also think about more macro things such as national geopolitics.

"Because Indonesia is a big country, but, of course, it consists of districts. Well, that's what will be the strengthening," said Lucky.

The meeting during the retreat, according to him, is also an important event for personal knowledge. By getting to know each other, regional heads can synergize more optimally.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto said that the condition of most of the fiscal capacity of regional finances has always depended on transfer funds from the center. In fact, if we look at it again, with the existing funds, the fiscal capacity of the regions should be strengthened. Therefore, the efficiency program actually aims to improve regional fiscal health.

"Actually, it's like that. The President, when he saw the regional financial map, felt that many regional capacities were weak and that it could not be left like that. There must be some kind of shock therapy and policies to make regions more careful," said Bima.

With the budget efficiency policy, Bima continued, regions in making policies cannot just be business as usual or solely dependent on central transfer funds. Regions must comb through their budgets again so that they are more economical, effective, and efficient.

Bima emphasized that the mindset related to the central and regional priority programs cannot be dichotomized. Because, in fact, the priority programs have many overlaps, especially in education and health matters.

"So, sometimes the opinion is not balanced. As if it is forced from the center so that the regions do not have space. No. In fact, the center reminds us of this basic role. And, in fact, there are many intersections," said Bima.