CANDIDATE Mayor of Bandung Muhammad Farhan is determined to reduce the economic inequality of citizens if elected in the 2024 regional elections. This is very important so that income is equalized, so that the welfare of society, especially in the lower classes, can be further improved.
Farhan emphasized this when he was a speaker at the Discussion and Discussion of Ideas forum for Bandung, on Jalan Cisangkuy, Bandung City.
He explained that the Gini ratio in Bandung City, which has almost reached 0.5, is very worrying because it shows the high income inequality of residents of the capital city of West Java Province. The per capita income of Bandung City is indeed large, namely around 7-8 thousand US Dollars or around Rp. 120 million per year.
“This means that the average income of Bandung City residents is IDR 10 million per month,” said the NasDem Party cadre.
However, on the other hand, according to him, the average expenditure of Bandung City residents is only IDR 18 million per year. This means that in a month the average resident’s expenditure is only IDR 1.5 million.
This is very ironic and shows very high economic inequality. “This means there is a gap. If you look at spending, it is almost 7 times that. From a macroeconomic perspective, that is not healthy,” he said.
This condition is also clearly visible in society, especially among the poor. “I saw families living on IDR 50 thousand a day. That was tough,” he said.
Subsidy
Therefore, Farhan is determined to create a just and equitable economy if he is elected together with Erwin, his running mate for deputy mayor.
First, the government must provide lots of subsidies for lower class people. The subsidies will be distributed to support various programs aimed at increasing people’s income.
“It’s okay if the money is used up for subsidies. The people’s money goes back to the people,” he said.
For example, Farhan-Erwin will provide subsidies for residents who do not yet have a high school/vocational school diploma by collaborating with community learning activity centers (PKBM). Not only that, later residents who already have this diploma will also have their skills/expertise enhanced so that they have more opportunities to be absorbed into the world of work.
His party will collaborate with job training institutions to train people to have various skills, so they can compete for jobs.
Other subsidies will also be provided, such as for PAUD and honorary teachers, posyandu cadres, cleaning and community service officers, and officers at places of worship.
“We want to raise welfare at the grassroots,” he said, mentioning other social assistance programs.
Apart from increasing subsidies, another way that can be done to reduce economic inequality in society is to encourage upper class citizens to donate.
“It’s very important, because philanthropists cannot be excluded. Our high network is increasing. But there are also more and more poor people. Philanthropists will really help save this problem,” he said.
Not only that, Farhan also promised not to use the Bandung City APBD for consumptive matters, especially for the interests of officials such as the mayor. For example, Farhan admitted that he did not want to be given a new official car when he took office.
“Leaders create narratives and role models. Stop consumerism. I dream of not buying a new car for an official. What’s the point? It’s useless. The existing car is enough,” he stressed.
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**Interview with Muhammad Farhan, Candidate for Mayor of Bandung**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Muhammad Farhan. You’ve made some strong statements about addressing economic inequality in Bandung. Can you explain why this issue is particularly important to you?
**Muhammad Farhan:** Thank you for having me. Economic inequality is a pressing issue in Bandung, with our Gini ratio nearing 0.5, which is quite alarming. This reflects a significant disparity in income levels among residents. Many families are struggling to make ends meet, living on as little as IDR 50,000 a day. It’s essential that we take steps to level the playing field for all citizens, especially those in lower-income brackets.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned the average income in Bandung compared to average spending. Can you elaborate on the implications of this disparity?
**Muhammad Farhan:** Certainly. The average per capita income in Bandung is around IDR 10 million per month, yet the average expenditure is only IDR 1.5 million per month. This discrepancy indicates that while some parts of the population are doing well, a significant number are left behind. This economic gap is not just unfair; it’s unhealthy for our city’s overall socio-economic environment.
**Interviewer:** What specific measures do you plan to implement to tackle this inequality if elected?
**Muhammad Farhan:** My running mate, Erwin, and I are committed to creating a just economy. One of our primary strategies is to increase subsidies for lower-income families. These subsidies will support programs designed to boost their income and provide necessary resources to improve their quality of life. It’s about ensuring that the wealth of our city is shared more equitably.
**Interviewer:** Some may argue about the sustainability of such subsidies. How do you respond to concerns regarding budget allocation and long-term financial planning?
**Muhammad Farhan:** That’s a valid concern, but we believe that properly managed subsidies can stimulate economic activity and uplift communities. It’s not just about the short-term transfers; it’s about investing in programs that yield long-term benefits. By empowering the lower class, we foster a more robust economy that ultimately benefits everyone.
**Interviewer:** What message would you like to convey to the voters of Bandung as the election approaches?
**Muhammad Farhan:** I want to assure the people of Bandung that my focus will always be on them. Together with Erwin, we are dedicated to building a more equitable city where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive. We need to bridge the gap and ensure that everyone can access the resources necessary for a decent life. Together, we can make Bandung a better place for all. Thank you.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Muhammad Farhan, for your insights today. We wish you the best of luck in your campaign.
**Muhammad Farhan:** Thank you for this opportunity!
