DPR Proposes Government To Form Madura Development Authority

JAKARTA Member of Commission V DPR RI Syafyuddin, proposed to the central government to form the Madura Development Authority (BOPM) as a special institution that functions to accelerate the development and development of Madura Island in East Java.

Syafiuddin explained that previously, the government had the Surabaya-Madura Regional Development Agency (BPWS) which was formed after the construction of the Suramadu Bridge. However, the institution was officially disbanded in 2021.

He said the authority agency could later be under the Ministry of Public Works (PU) or stand alone and join the coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Regional Infrastructure and Development led by Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY).

"Since BPWS was disbanded, Madura's development no longer has a focus and integrated authority agency. Therefore, we encourage the central government to immediately form a BOPM so that the acceleration of Madura development again has a clear direction," Syafidin told reporters, Wednesday, August 27.

According to the legislator from the East Java XI electoral district, the existence of a special authority will have a major impact on the Madurese community. Through BOPM, according to Syafiuddin, the central government can execute various strategic programs, ranging from infrastructure development, human resource development, to improving the regional economy.

The island of Madura has great potential, both in terms of fisheries, agriculture, salt industry, and tourism. If managed through the authority, this potential can be developed into a new center of economic growth," he explained.

The PKB politician also gave an example of one concrete step that can be taken by BOPM, one of which encourages the formation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Madura.

"With the SEZ, investors will be more interested in investing. This will certainly open up new jobs and improve people's welfare," he said.

Syafiuddin hopes that this proposal can be followed up by the central government for equal distribution of development. He assessed that the central government must pay special attention to Madura, so that the region can progress.

"We want Madura to no longer be left behind from other areas in East Java. With the BOPM, the direction of Madura development will be more coordinated, measurable, and sustainable," he concluded.