DPRD Has Taken Steps To Absorb Proposed Expansion Of North Sukabumi

JAKARTA - Commission I of the West Java Provincial DPRD (Regional People's Representative Council) is following up on regional issues in Sukabumi, such as the proposed formation of a new autonomous region (DOB) in North Sukabumi, including the aspirations of several sub-districts in Sukabumi Regency to join Sukabumi City.

The Sukabumi City Communication and Information Agency (Diskominfo) informed that the Chairman of Commission I of the West Java DPRD, Rahmat Hidayat Djati, along with a delegation and the Head of the Regional Autonomy Bureau of West Java Province, Faiz Rahman, visited the Sukabumi Regency and Sukabumi City Governments to discuss Sukabumi's regional issues on Tuesday, September 23rd.

"We are conducting a survey of several sub-districts that wish to join Sukabumi City, for administrative reasons. We will review the regulations and proposals, and we request some time. Then, we will also discuss with the mayor, regent, and governor," said Memo Hermawan, Secretary of Commission I of the West Java DPRD, in West Java on Wednesday, as reported by Antara.

Rahmat Hidayat Djati, Chairman of Commission I of the West Java Provincial DPRD, and his delegation, met with Sukabumi Mayor Ayep Zaki, Deputy Mayor Bobby Maulana, Chairman of Commission I of the Sukabumi City DPRD Kamal Suherman, and Sukabumi City Regional Secretary Andang Tjahjandi. He explained that the hearing was a follow-up to previous discussions in the West Java Provincial DPRD regarding the proposed formation of the North Sukabumi Autonomous Region and the aspiration to merge several sub-districts in Sukabumi Regency into Sukabumi City, which needed to be thoroughly mapped.

He emphasized that both regional expansion and merger must bring tangible benefits to the community.

The West Java Provincial DPRD stated that following the hearing, a study would be conducted on the planned expansion and merger.

Meanwhile, Faiz Rahman, Head of the Regional Autonomy Bureau of the West Java Provincial Secretariat, who also attended the hearing, stated that the regional expansion and administrative boundary adjustment process is currently awaiting the central government's policy regarding the regional expansion moratorium.

"The provincial government is ready to facilitate communication, academic studies, and cross-stakeholder coordination so that the community's aspirations can be properly conveyed. We will continue to monitor and convey the community's aspirations to the central government. All processes must go through measurable and accountable stages," he said.

Sukabumi Mayor Ayep Zaki conveyed the aspirations of several community leaders from the Sukaraja, Sukalarang, Kebonpedes, and Cireunghas (Susukecir) sub-districts in Sukabumi Regency, whose areas will be merged into Sukabumi City.

"The Susukecir issue has been around since 2005, or 20 years ago. When I first became mayor, I had a guest from a Susukecir figure who expressed his desire to join the Sukabumi City region. Then, at my first meeting with the Governor of West Java, I conveyed this desire," he said.

He stated that regional planning must be in line with applicable regulations, and his current focus is achieving development targets in Sukabumi City.

"I'm focused on how the city's development should be achieved in the next five years, whether there's a merger or not. I'm not forcing it; I'm leaving it up to the community; there will be a study," he said.

On that occasion, he also stated that if the merger occurs, the Mayor of Sukabumi will build an industrial area.

"If Sukabumi City expands, I will create an industrial area of ​​at least 1,000 or 2,000 hectares. My background is in industry and I have experience in that area. This will have a positive impact on the Sukabumi region," he said.