Debate With Rano Karno About HDI, Ridwan Kamil: Being A Leader Doesn't Need To Find Reasons

Candidate number 1 Ridwan Kamil-Suswono (Youtube screenshot)

JAKARTA - Candidate for Governor number one, Ridwan Kamil argued with the Deputy Governor Candidate, Rano Karno, regarding the human development index (HDI) in Banten Province.

The debate took place during the debate between the two pairs of candidates for governor and deputy governor of Jakarta held by the General Elections Commission (KPU) at the Ecovention, Ancol, Sunday, October 28.

It started when Ridwan Kamil or who is often called Kang Emil highlighted the decline in HDI when Rano Karno became Governor of Banten. Rano Karno, who received the question, answered by stating that he had only served as Governor of Banten for one year. Meanwhile, as Acting Governor from the 2013-2016 period.

"Banten is prosperous in Greater Tangerang, only areas such as Pandeglang and Lebak are difficult to develop. Alhamdulillah, with the status of a special economic zone for Tanjung Lesung, God willing, Banten will soon be able to catch up with the index that will be dreamed of," said Rano Karno, adding that there were 13 national projects in Banten in the era of President Joko Widodo.

Hearing this answer, Kang Emil again asked questions about data related to the project that Banten got from Jokowi. However, with so many projects from the government, there was no significant increase in HDI in the Banten area.

"With so many national strategic projects from Mr. Jokowi, I saw that the HDI record went down instead of going up. The open unemployment rate only slightly decreased. There were still 48 left villages when Bang Rano finished his tenure. My point is, being a leader, don't look for excuses," said Ridwan Kamil.

Then, Kang Emil compared it with the West Java region he was leading at that time. According to him, West Java's HDI increased for five years.

As is known, Banten's HDI in the 2012-2017 period only fell by 0.07 points. (contrast with West Java's HDI which rose 2.93 points when RK was the governor of West Java 2018-2023).

The open unemployment rate (TPT) of Banten only fell 0.85 percent in 2012-2017. Very far from West Java, which succeeded in reducing the TPT by 3.02 percent in 2020-2023.

"So my point as a leader does not always have to find reasons for others. Hopefully, if we are elected, Kakarta will focus better on our partner or thank you," said Ridwan Kamil.