Ridwan Kamil Inaugurates The New Face Of Sorong Square, Papua

BANDUNG - Governor of West Java (Jabar) M Ridwan Kamil or Kang Emil made a working visit to Sorong Regency, Papua. Kang Emil inaugurated the Sorong District Square which now appears with a new face.

Kang Emil said that he was asked by the Regent of Sorong, Johny Kamuru, to design the new face of the Sorong District Square when he was Mayor of Bandung.

"So when the Regent met me, I said that one of the places that people miss is the square," said Ridwan Kamil, quoted by Antara, Friday, October 1.

Accompanied by his wife, Atalia Praratya, the presence of Ridwan Kamil and his entourage was welcomed by traditional Papuan and West Java dances performed by Sorong residents.

The inauguration of the square was also marked by the cutting of a ribbon at the gate of the square by Ridwan Kamil and the Regent of Sorong, Johny Kamuru and the Sorong Regency Government and other related parties.

The revitalization of the Sorong District Square itself has been initiated since 2017 and Ridwan Kamil has dedicated his architectural knowledge to designing the new face of the square which is located on Jalan Sorong-Aimas, Malawili, Aimas District, Sorong Regency.

Kang Emil then started to design the square and according to him, as a public open space, the square is a special place and the heart of the city where people gather.

In fact, said Kang Emil, even the square can be a place for democracy.

"So when I draw, there must be a variety of decorations, various cultures. Then there are also sports facilities, and others," said Kang Emil.

One of the interesting aspects of the square, namely the existence of a corridor building designed to resemble a line of large trees.

Kang Emil revealed that the presence of the building was inspired by the large number of large trees when he visited Sorong Regency.

"That building in front of it, the inspiration is indeed from the many large trees here which are manifested in the form of a structure," he said.

The revitalization of the Sorong District Square itself is divided into two sides, namely the north and south sides.

Kang Emil inaugurated the north side square which has been completely revitalized and the south side square will later appear more magnificent.

As a manifestation of the benefits that he has embraced, Kang Emil continued, he has lobbied the central government through the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD to help finance the revitalization of the south side of the Sorong District Square.

"And the good news is, I have also gone to the central government through Mr. Mahfud MD, who plans to finance the construction of this second phase of the square," said Kang Emil.

Kang Emil hopes that the presence of the new face of the Sorong District Square will bring happiness to the community, especially the people of Sorong Regency. In addition, it is able to encourage Sorong Regency to become a more developed area.

Kang Emil stated that the cooperation, one of which was realized through the revitalization of the Sorong District Square, was a form of togetherness between West Java and Papua as friendly provinces.

"I pray that with the presence of this square, Sorong Regency will be more advanced. My message is, every day there must be something new. Children must be smart, prosperous, and great from their parents. Don't do it the other way around," said Kang Emil.

Meanwhile, the Regent of Sorong, Johny Kamuru expressed his gratitude for the presence and dedication of Ridwan Kamil who has designed the Sorong District Square to look different.

"I thank you very much, the highest appreciation for your presence here," said Kamuru.

"This has been planned for a long time, but Praise God this is the right time. Imagine, yesterday (cases) of Corona were at their highest, then now there is PON (National Sports Week), and the President wants to come here (Papua), extraordinary, ' continued Kamuru.