Ramadan Safari to Thousand Islands, Pramono Checks Cheap Markets to Health Services

(Photo: Humas DKI Provincial Government)

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung held a Ramadan Safari to the Thousand Islands on Friday, March 13. This visit was carried out to directly review public services as well as to meet with residents in the archipelago.

During the series of activities, Pramono reviewed a number of public facilities and community service programs run by the provincial government on several islands.

"As governor, I want to ensure that the programs that have been launched by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government are really running well on every island we visit," said Pramono, Friday, March 13.

One of the agendas reviewed was the implementation of the cheap market held during Ramadan. This program is prepared to help residents get basic necessities at a more affordable price ahead of Eid al-Fitr.

A total of 1,000 food packages were provided in the activity and can be redeemed by the public at a price lower than the market price.

"This is in order to welcome Eid al-Fitr. As we know, prices on the Thousand Islands and in the five administrative cities on the mainland are relatively stable. However, I was a little surprised because the one that experienced an increase was curly chili. It increased by about 3 percent, while the others were only 1-2 percent," he said.

Pramono said the cheap market program run by the DKI Provincial Government together with a number of regional business entities (BUMD) has helped people reduce their basic needs.

"Earlier, the package was worth Rp. 100,000, but was sold for Rp. 50,000. There are even those who are given free of charge through CSR support from several companies," he added.

On that occasion, the DKI Provincial Government also distributed Free Service Cards (KLG) to residents of the Thousand Islands. A total of 1,108 residents were recorded as recipients of the card.

"We continue to strive to expand access to basic services for the community. One of them is through the distribution of Free Service Cards to residents of the Thousand Islands so that they can obtain more convenient and affordable services," said Pramono.

Still in the same series of activities, the DKI Provincial Government in collaboration with the Indonesian Optical Entrepreneurs Association (GAPOPIN) DKI Jakarta held a free eye examination for residents. In addition to the examination, the public also received glasses assistance according to their needs.

This activity was attended by hundreds of residents and 359 people were recorded to receive free glasses.

"There is a Gabungan Pengusaha Optik, GAPOPIN, which provides free glasses, both for minus and plus. Usually the plus is for the elderly, while the minus is for some elementary school students. This program is very useful," he said.

Pramono also reviewed the Thousand Islands Regional General Hospital (RSUD) to see firsthand the health services provided to the community in the archipelago.

"We want to ensure that health services in the archipelago are strengthened so that people get services that are equivalent to other areas in Jakarta," he said.

Apart from the health sector, attention is also directed to educational facilities. Pramono visited the Panggang 02 Elementary School Building to see the condition of school facilities and infrastructure in the area.

"The education of children in the Thousand Islands must receive equal attention so that they have good learning opportunities," he said.

During the visit, the DKI Provincial Government also inaugurated the Domestic Wastewater Management System (SPALD) as part of efforts to improve sanitation quality in the archipelago.

"Sanitation infrastructure such as SPALD is very important to maintain public health as well as environmental cleanliness in the Thousand Islands," he said.

In addition, Pramono inaugurated the Port Pier of the Transportation Office to strengthen inter-regional maritime transport connectivity in the Thousand Islands.

"With better access to sea transportation, community mobility, distribution of goods, and economic activities in the Thousand Islands, it is expected that it will run more smoothly," he explained.

On this occasion, Pramono also reviewed the Thousand Islands Regency Administration Office to ensure that government coordination runs well.

According to him, the synergy between the provincial government and the regional government is the key to improving the quality of public services.

"The synergy between the provincial government and the regional government is very important so that public services to the community can run more optimally," he said.

The series of Ramadan Safari activities was closed with the implementation of Friday prayers with residents at the Al-Ihsan Mosque, Untung Java Island.

"This kind of togetherness is expected to strengthen the relationship between the government and the community and maintain harmony in the lives of residents," he concluded.