Questioned Rano Karno about the Human Development Index in Banten, RK: I was given many projects from Mr Jokowi but it went down

Illustration-(DOC VOI)

JAKARTA - Candidate for Governor of Jakarta number 1, Ridwan Kamil, questioned the candidate for Deputy Governor of Jakarta number 3 Rano Karno regarding the human development index (IPM) in Banten Province when Rano served as governor.

This was asked by RK to Rano in the second debate of the Jakarta gubernatorial election. The former Governor of West Java admitted that he was surprised why the HDI in Banten actually tends to decline.

"In my notes from 2012 to 2017, Banten's human development index did not increase. What happened was not stable, instead it fell 0.07. What were the obstacles? What was the problem so that it was very regrettable that could happen?" asked RK to Rano, Sunday, October 27.

Responding to this, Rano emphasized that he had only served as Governor of Banten for one year, not as stated by RK.

"Kang emil, maybe pretend he doesn't know, even though he knows. Kang, I've been governor of Banten for only one year. I was 2012 to 2013 as Deputy Governor, 2013 to 2016 as Acting Governor, I became Governor for 1 year," said Rano.

Rano admitted that it was difficult for him to coordinate with officials of the Banten Regional Government Coordination Forum (Forkopimda). This is because the province has two Regional Police Chiefs and two Pangdams.

"There are 2, the Kapolda on Banten, the Banten Police Chief and the Metro Police Chief. The Pangdam is 2 kang, the Siliwangi Military Commander with the Jaya Military Commander. Can you imagine how I should coordinate with a situation like this?" he said.

On the one hand, Rano admitted that he was grateful that Banten was given various national strategic projects from President Joko Widodo when he was still leading the country, ranging from the determination of Soekarno Hatta Airport to the airport in Banten territory, to the Serang-Panimbang toll road. However, the project is uneven in all regions.

"This means that Banten is territoryally prosperous in Greater Tangerang. Only the Pandeglang area, Lebak, is certainly difficult to develop," explained Rano.

Responding to Rano's answer, RK admitted that he was surprised that the HDI in Banten had still been given many projects by Jokowi in the province.

"Earlier, it was conveyed by dakta, that he has been given so many national strategic projects from Pak Jokowi, but I saw that the IPM records were down, not up," said RK.

RK emphasized that West Java, which he had led during 2018-2023, also had two Kapolda and two Pangdam. However, the former Governor of West Java emphasized that the HDI in the province could rise 3 percent for 5 years.

"I have increased by 3 percent for 5 years. There are still 48 villages left behind at the end of my brother's position. So, my point as a leader should not always look for excuses to others," concluded RK.