Don’t Just Criticize, Students Should Engage in Regional Development Planning

The Governor of Banten, Andra Soni, has asked students not to only convey their aspirations through criticism, but also to participate in the regional development planning process.

He stated this when meeting with the Alliance of Student Executive Boards across Banten, who were holding a demonstration at the main gate of KP3B, Curug, Serang City.

Andra Soni emphasized his commitment to opening up space for more substantive student participation.

“We want students not only to submit aspirations but also to be involved in the planning process, including in the Development Planning Deliberations. This is part of the effort to build a participatory government,” he said.

During the meeting, he affirmed that the aspirations submitted covered various strategic sectors, ranging from the improvement of basic infrastructure, enhancement of public service quality, transparency of government governance, to environmental and disaster management issues.

“Many inputs were provided by the students and we have recorded them all as evaluation material. This becomes an important part of improving future policies,” he stated.

The Banten Provincial Government views students as strategic partners in regional development.

The criticism and input provided are considered a form of concern for the condition of the community and the direction of Banten’s development.

“Students have a role in social control. What they convey is the voice of the people that must be heard by the government,” said Andra Soni.

A number of the aspirations submitted align with the priority programs of the Banten Provincial Government, especially the acceleration of road repairs, equalization of educational access, and strengthening transparent and accountable government governance.

“These inputs reinforce our commitment to continuously improve infrastructure and enhance the quality of public services,” he said.