Former Governor of Central Java (2013–2023), Ganjar Pranowo, delivered a Ramadan Public Lecture at the UGM Mosque on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. In his talk, titled “Strategic Steps to Enhance Regional Independence for Economic Equity,” he emphasized that regional leaders are not required to follow the central government’s vision rigidly.
Governors, mayors, and regents, he said, understand their regions best and should develop them based on local potential.
“It’s about how to build the region, understand its conditions, and ensure prosperity for the people. That’s what leaders should focus on,” he explained.
Pranowo emphasized the importance of regional leaders introducing innovations that are grounded in local economic potential.
This requires robust data analysis to identify development opportunities.
He cited examples from community service programs (KKN), where students applied knowledge to contribute to solving regional problems through simple yet impactful innovations.
“Simple ideas can solve problems. That’s innovation,” he said.
He further emphasized that development innovations must align with efforts to promote equity, particularly by ensuring access to quality education, which he described as the driving force behind future innovation.
Pranowo also emphasized the importance of regional leaders identifying local resources and optimizing them through quality human capital development.
Leaders, he noted, should utilize technology and digitalization to enhance government efficiency, such as through the integrated LaporGub application, which enables governors to monitor public reports in real-time.
He stressed the importance of good governance in accelerating government performance.
Key strategies include job creation through legally secure investments and ensuring that public services are accessible, affordable, and delivered efficiently.
“As leaders, it’s essential to ensure that these systems work smoothly,” he said.
Additionally, Pranowo emphasized the importance of collaboration between central and regional governments to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), offering them guidance and social protection to foster their growth and success.
“Without government intervention, SMEs will struggle,” he added.
He concluded by urging the government to strengthen infrastructure to support regional independence.
He cited the agricultural sector as an example, emphasizing the importance of utilizing proper irrigation systems and leveraging underutilized land through collaboration with experts and academics.
He closed the lecture with a reminder for future regional leaders to uphold strong integrity.
“If you become a regional leader, develop your region with integrity,” he said.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang
Photograph: UGM Mosque