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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Prabowo Plans New Cities Designed for Workers

From Tempo · (6m ago) Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • President Prabowo Subianto plans to build new, integrated cities near industrial zones specifically for workers.
  • These cities will include housing, schools, hospitals, sports facilities, and childcare centers, with a focus on accessible transport.
  • While the government has built 350,000 affordable housing units, some labor groups held a separate demonstration, criticizing the government-aligned May Day event as co-opted.

President Prabowo Subianto has unveiled an ambitious plan to construct new cities tailored for Indonesian workers, a significant initiative aimed at addressing housing needs and improving living conditions. These proposed urban centers will be designed with an integrated concept, strategically located adjacent to industrial zones to minimize commute times and enhance accessibility to workplaces. The vision extends beyond mere housing, encompassing essential public facilities such as schools, hospitals, sports complexes, and childcare centers, creating self-sufficient communities.

I have planned that we will build new cities, each city might consist of 100,000 houses, 100,000 apartment units

— Prabowo SubiantoPrabowo said he plans to build new cities for workers, designed with an integrated concept and located near industrial zones.

The President highlighted the importance of robust transportation infrastructure, proposing affordable options like dedicated trains or buses to ensure workers can easily reach their jobs. This focus on connectivity is crucial for the success of these new cities. Prabowo also reported on the government's progress in affordable housing, noting the construction of 350,000 units with a target of one million this year. These homes are intended to be built in clusters near industrial areas, directly addressing the demand for proximity to employment.

housing needs remain one of the main demands voiced by workers

— Prabowo SubiantoPrabowo said housing needs remain one of the main demands voiced by workers.

However, the International Labor Day celebrations revealed a division within the labor movement. While President Prabowo attended a festive gathering at the National Monument (Monas), organized by a government-aligned confederation, several other labor organizations opted for a separate demonstration. These groups, part of the Labor Movement Alliance with the People (Gebrak), gathered at the House of Representatives building. Their chairman, Sunarno, described their protest as an independent workers' action, distinct from the Monas event, which he characterized as reflecting "mainstream narratives and the co-optation of power." This highlights ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on labor representation and government engagement within Indonesia.

And these houses will, as suggested by you, be built in clusters near industrial areas, close to workplaces

— Prabowo SubiantoHe said that this year's May Day commemoration in Jakarta was held at two separate locations: the Monas area and in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) building in Central Jakarta.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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