Surabaya Mayor's Apeksi Commitment Aligns with President Prabowo's Vision, Says DPRD Deputy Chair

Surabaya Deputy Mayor Arif Fathoni lauded Mayor Eri Cahyadi's leadership within the Association of Indonesian City Governments (Apeksi), stating it aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's national policy direction. Fathoni emphasized that regional governments must move beyond merely identifying problems and instead focus on innovation and solutions to drive development amid global economic challenges.

"Regional heads cannot just complain, grumble, or blame the central government's transfer policies," Fathoni said. "What is needed now is innovation and collaboration." He praised Cahyadi, who also chairs Apeksi, for encouraging its 98 members to leverage regional potential and explore alternative financing schemes like public-private partnerships and regional bonds. This approach, Fathoni noted, is crucial for maintaining development momentum despite fiscal constraints.

Fathoni pointed out that Cahyadi's proposals stem from Surabaya's own successful implementation of various public service and development innovations. "Mas Eri doesn't just invite; he provides a role model," Fathoni stated. "What he conveys in the Apeksi forum has been proven through various innovations implemented by the Surabaya City Government. That experience is then shared with other cities through knowledge and experience transfer."

The deputy mayor sees Cahyadi's commitment to making Apeksi a strategic partner for the central government as directly supporting President Prabowo's priority programs. These include strengthening food and energy security, improving education quality, implementing the free nutritious meal program, and bolstering cooperatives as pillars of the people's economy. Fathoni believes synergy between central and regional governments is vital for optimal national program implementation.

"I see Mas Eri's commitment at Apeksi not only strengthening collaboration among city governments but also showing real support for the national development agenda that is the President's priority," Fathoni concluded. "This is a form of leadership that prioritizes solutions, not just presenting problems."