DPRD Highlights Development Gaps in Bogor City’s Border Areas

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BOGOR - Members of the Bogor City DPRD encourage that the direction of development is not only centered in the central area of the city, but also touches the border areas which are considered to be lagging behind and need more attention to improve the welfare of the community.

The encouragement was conveyed by the Chairman of Commission III of the Bogor City DPRD, Ahmad Aswandi, together with a number of DPRD members from the Tanah Sareal Electoral District while attending the Tanah Sareal District Development Planning (Musrenbang) Meeting, Tuesday, January 20.

Ahmad Aswandi assessed that Tanah Sareal District has a strategic role because it borders directly with Bogor Regency. However, this strategic position has not been fully balanced with the quality of development evenly, especially in the suburban area.

"Border areas such as Tanah Sareal must be a top priority because that is where the face of Bogor City is also visible. Don't let the welfare of people on the border lag behind compared to the surrounding areas," said Ahmad Aswandi in his statement, Wednesday, January 21.

He emphasized that improving the welfare of border communities must begin with the development of basic infrastructure that is decent, especially road access, drainage, and facilities to support the economic activities of residents. Adequate infrastructure is considered to encourage local economic movement and improve the quality of life of the community.

"If the infrastructure in the border area is poor, people's economic activities will be hampered. This is what we must improve so that the welfare of the people can increase," he said.

According to him, the development of the Tanah Sareal border area needs to be prioritized in the 2026 and 2027 budget years so that there is no social and economic gap between Bogor City and the directly bordering district areas.

Apart from infrastructure, Ahmad Aswandi said that arranging vulnerable areas, such as a railway crossing in Kebon Pedes, is also important to ensure the safety and comfort of people living in the area.

"We will monitor all priority proposals from the village to really answer the needs of the people, especially those directly related to welfare," he explained.

Similarly, Member of the Bogor City DPRD from the Tanah Sareal Dapil, Safrudin Bima, emphasized that the equalization of development must be directed to the outskirts as part of efforts to improve the welfare of the community as a whole.

According to him, development in border areas should not only be physical, but also should touch the economic sector and basic services.

"The development of MSMEs, access to clean water, education, and health services must be strengthened in border areas. If these facilities are present, the community does not need to rely on the city center and prosperity can grow from its own region," said Safrudin.

He ensured that all members of the DPRD from the Tanah Sareal District were ready to support and monitor the results of the Musrenbang so that development in the border area would directly impact the improvement of the welfare of the people of Bogor City.