The Fourth Debate Of The Agrarian Bertema Presidential Election, Ganjar Instead Wants Wadas Case To Be Discussed

Presidential Candidate number 3, Ganjar Pranowo met at Pos Bloc, Jakarta, Sunday, January 14. (Diah-VOI)

The fourth debate for the 2024 presidential election specifically for vice presidential candidates (cawapres) will be held on January 21. The theme of the debate will include energy, natural resources, food, carbon taxes, the environment, agrarianism, and indigenous peoples.

Presidential candidate (candidate) number 3, Ganjar Pranowo admitted that during the debate he wanted agrarian conflicts in Wadas Village, Purworejo Regency, Central Java (Central Java), to be discussed.

"It is better to discuss (Wadas case)," said Ganjar when met at the Bloc Post, Central Jakarta, Sunday, January 14.

Ganjar is often blamed for the conflict between Wadas residents and the authorities and the government because it occurred while serving as Governor of Central Java.

However, Ganjar emphasized that the construction of the Bener Dam in Wadas, which is opposed by residents, is a national strategic project (PSN) of the central government. Although, the Central Java Provincial Government has the task of facilitating land acquisition by the central government.

"Although it is not the provincial government's program, I have completed the Wadas, it is PSN. We are trained to be responsible, yes, and finished. God willing, it will be finished," said Ganjar.

"BPN (National Land Agency) helps BBWS (Balai Besar Serayu Opak River Area) prepare the funds, so we finish it well," he continued.

Furthermore, Ganjar explained how he would do if he was elected President in 2024 in carrying out infrastructure development that had an impact on the community.

In every development plan, Ganjar emphasized that the government must involve the community to discuss and find a middle ground for potential problems that will occur.

This method is believed by Ganjar not to cause Wadas cases to repeat itself. Where, the case caused clashes and even made a number of residents arrested by the authorities. Residents also receive violence from frequent clashes.

"When musrenbang, when planning development that is roughly going to have an impact in the village, involve them. I have a tradition, when the musrenbang there must be three that we involve. One, a group of women. Two, people with disabilities. Three, children," he said.