Faisal promises Rp 200m for neighborhood empowerment

Faisal Basri: (JP/Arief Suhardiman )

Jakarta’s gubernatorial candidate, Faisal Basri, has promised to disburse Rp 200 million (US$21,400) for each neighborhood area (Rukun Warga/RW), from the regional budget to empower civil society.

“Jakarta has 2,700 RWs. If we multiply that by Rp 200 million, it will cost only Rp 540 billion. That total is less than half the Antasari flyover budget, which is Rp 1.2 trillion,” he said as quoted by tribunnews.com on Wednesday.

The funds would be allocated for infrastructure provision and maintenance in each RW, which would be carried out by local residents.

“Haji Ten Bridge [in Rawasari, East Jakarta] is a good example of people’s capabilities. With only Rp 5 million, the bridge was developed,” said the independent candidate.

Faisal believes that by offering residents direct responsibility for their own residential areas, they will acquire a sense of ownership and belonging, which in turn will result in their voluntarily maintaining the facilities.

“My running mate, Bang Biem Benjamin, and I believe that people can empower themselves by working together, without local government intervention,” he added. (yps/iwa)