By : Joanna Alexandra Putri )*
The assertiveness of the Governor of Central Java (Central Java), Ganjar Pranowo was seen when he carried out an inspection at the weighbridge, at that time he asked the transportation service employees to open a drawer until they finally found “bribe” money thrown by the driver of a heavy vehicle. On the other hand, this white-haired man is known to be close to the community and often interacts with villagers to get to know existing social problems.
Ganjar is indeed known as a figure who is firm against the practice of extortion (illegal fees). Ganjar’s firmness in eradicating extortion and corruption in Central Java is also a reason for investors to invest in Central Java. This assertiveness ultimately had a positive impact on increasing the economy in Central Java.
Thanks to Ganjar’s firmness, many weighbridges have implemented a ban on extortion. Through coaching to related officers and operational monitoring, it has proven to be able to reduce cases of extortion at weigh stations. Moreover, all acts of violation, filing, until the submission of a hearing from the UPPKB (Motor Vehicle Weighing Unit). Of course with the success of the program, it is hoped that it will have an impact on the welfare of truck drivers in Indonesia.
Previously, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) had given appreciation to the Governor of Central Java who had expressly given instructions to the ranks of the provincial government regarding the prevention of acts of corruption. Especially between the government as a regulator and business actors.
This was conveyed by the Anti-Corruption Director for Business Entities Aminudin KPK during an audience related to the Regional Advocacy Committee (KAD) with Governor Ganjar Pranowo, in the Central Java Governor’s Office Meeting Room. Aminudin said that Ganjar was the only regional head who dared to explicitly give instructions to his staff regarding the prevention of corruption.
Aminudin said that the perpetrators of corruption were not only state administrators. But there are also many business people. Apart from firmly cracking down on corrupt practices, Ganjar is also known to be close to the people. Populist is the key word that is held to establish communication with the people of Central Java.
Had received criticism because Ganjar was considered to be visiting the regions too often, but he said that as a Javanese, it was important to do this. Because, apart from being able to directly come into contact with the people, he also feels that he can get a lot of input and criticism that helps him in prioritizing his work agenda.
Meanwhile, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said, Ganjar Pranowo was a figure who was very close to the people, always went down and was very ideological.
Ganjar is considered consistent in listening to aspirations and taking notes on community needs. Ganjar’s consistency in being a leader of the people is shown through his humility not to build distance with the underprivileged.
Ganjar is aware that he, who is elected by the people, must be present for the people. Not only the people, Ganjar is also a pro-people leader who is present in providing solutions and ideas that side with the people, especially for the underprivileged. He plunged into fighting for welfare and social justice for the underprivileged, such as workers, farmers, fishermen and ranchers.
In the last 3 years, Ganjar has always succeeded in reducing the number of poor people from year to year. In fact, the province of Central Java has succeeded in reducing the number of poor people nationally for the period September 2021 to March 2022. During this period, Central Java has succeeded in reducing the poverty rate by 102,570 people.
His attitude of wanting to be close to the people was evident when Ganjar stayed at the village of Wadas, Purworejo. At that time there was a polemic related to andesite stone mining in the village. Ganjar admitted that he wanted to stay in the village so that his ears could hear all the complaints of the Wadas villagers. The people there also feel happy because their village is visited by the number one person in Central Java.
His pro-people attitude made Ganjar the best figure to lead Indonesia because his presence in society was able to maintain tolerance, preserve diversity, maintain harmony and firmly defend Pancasila ideology while leading Central Java.
He is also a nationalist-religious figure who never hesitates in defending Pancasila. Ganjar also firmly rejects the caliphate system which wants to replace the state ideology of Pancasila and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
In his daily life, Ganjar does not seem elitist and has succeeded in getting support from various groups of people. They stated that they were ready to support Ganjar to run as President of Indonesia in 2024.
The attitude, character and charisma that emerged in the figure of Ganjar certainly made him the governor for two terms. This is of course a portfolio for Ganjar to be taken into account in the 2024 Presidential Election.
Ganjar’s firmness and attitude that does not build distance with the people make Ganjar an ideal figure to run as a 2024 presidential candidate.
)* The author is a Jeka Media Institute Contributor
