Bentar Temple At Gedung Sate Bandung Megah Visual But Empty Of Benefits

One of the gates at Gedung Sate which is being revociated is a form of candi for a while. BETWEEN/Ricky Prayoga

JAKARTA - Public policy observer from Parahyangan University (Unpar) Kristian Widya Wicaksono assessed that the temple-style gate at Gedung Sate has a paradox, which is visually magnificent but has no benefits for the people of West Java who are grappling with economic reality.

The gate pillar project, which is still under construction, according to Kristian, reflects the fatal inequality in budget politics between government priorities and the real needs of citizens.

"Physically it looks majestic, it seems as if there is a development movement. But when it collides with the current economic reality of the people of West Java, it feels empty because it does not touch the root of public problems," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Sunday, November 23.

According to Kristian, the passing of this budget in the APBD does indicate a formal agreement between the regional government and the DPRD.

However, he also questioned the urgency of "beaucing" the fence of the government office when purchasing power and people's welfare are in need of a real stimulus.

Furthermore, Kristian said, this phenomenon is a development "mercusuar" project that pursues only visual and symbolic effects.

So, he said, the public has the right to sue for transparency of the reasons behind the priority to restore fences compared to programs that have a direct impact on the quality of human life.

Mainly at Rp3.9 billion, which was disbursed for the gate, plus paving of parking area blocks.

Kristian emphasized that the narrative of efficiency that has been echoed by the government should not only be interpreted as cutting the budget, but also regarding the accuracy of the "input" allocation to produce meaningful "output".

"Is the Rp3.9 billion for fences and gates (and parking lots) more meaningful than if allocated for programs that have a direct impact on the economic welfare of the citizens?" he concluded.