Chairman of the Regional Representative Council Sultan B. Najamudin, stated that Astacita must be implemented down to the most remote, outermost, and underdeveloped (3T) regions of Indonesia so that real equality can be felt by all levels of society.
According to him, the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence must be interpreted as a momentum to emphasize the meaning of true independence, namely that independence is not merely freedom from colonialism, but the achievement of justice in development for all Indonesian people.
"True independence will only be felt when all levels of society, including residents of the 3T regions, experience economic equality, access to healthcare, and adequate infrastructure," the Sultan said in a statement received in Jakarta on Monday.
He also emphasized that the DPD, as the supervisor and guardian, will support the implementation of Astacita as a map for equality down to the regional level.
"Astacita is not just a political promise; it encompasses a spectrum of equality, from food and clean energy to education and health, maritime affairs, and connectivity. We must ensure its implementation on the ground," he said.
He said that one of the priorities put forward by the DPD was the inclusion of the Regional Government Bill (RUU Pemda) into the Priority Prolegnas as an important instrument to strengthen regional autonomy and accountability.
"The Regional Government Bill must ensure fiscal equity, improve basic services, and actively participate in development for local communities. Many regions still feel left behind by the central government, and authority and budgets must be clear for development to be truly tangible," he said.
In the context of central-regional synergy, he also emphasized the need for integrated steps in the economic, health, and infrastructure sectors.
"We must promote equitable investment, strengthen MSMEs, ensure access to basic healthcare facilities, and accelerate the development of roads, ports, and internet connectivity. Central-regional synergy must be based on collaboration, not just rhetoric," he said.
