Malang, (malangkota.go.id) – Malang Mayor Drs. H. Sutiaji said that development planning must be continuous from upstream to downstream, between one regional apparatus and another, not overlapping. Planning is something vital, must be accommodating, aspirational, and futuristic. This was conveyed during the presentation of the Phase II Assessment of the Regional Development Award (PPD) for the Regency/City of East Java Province virtually from the Ngalam Command Center (NCC), Monday (15/02/2021).

The success of national development is also determined by the success of the region in planning its regional development well. Thus, regional and national development plans must be in line and integrated. This background is what prompted the Ministry of National Development Planning of the Republic of Indonesia/National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) to give the Regional Development Award (PPD) which was previously called the Anugerah Pangripta Nusantara (2011-2017).
Since 2018, Anugerah Pangripta Nusantara has transformed into PPD so that it is expected to be better known to the wider community. This year, Malang City has successfully entered the top eight best districts/cities in East Java Province and the top three for cities in East Java. The dignified city of Malang is a slogan that continues to be echoed and has meaning as an ideal that has been initiated since the beginning through a planned, measurable, inclusive, transparent, and sustainable development approach.
"To determine that Malang City has innovation, there is a planning army and thematic musrenbang. Strategic issues can be sharpened and continued by the community. Community involvement in development planning is very important," said Sutiaji.
In 2021, Malang City is concentrating on economic recovery. Currently, the creative economy can be relied on because it is able to answer the needs and challenges during this pandemic. Based on the results of a survey conducted by the government, frozen food and information technology-based businesses increased by 123%. This economic strengthening plan is expected to be able to boost micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to be known both regionally and nationally.
"Malang City has potential human resources and when collaborated with the creative economy, it will become an extraordinary force. Currently, there are approximately 150 start-ups that continue to grow," he continued.
Based on Law Number 15 of 2019 concerning the Formation of Legislation, the community becomes the subject and object of a policy. So that the community can participate in thinking about and being invited to determine a process, the legitimacy of a policy will be fulfilled properly.
"Development achievements in the period 2018-2019 show a positive trend. Economic growth is number two in East Java after Surabaya. Unemployment is still a strategic issue. However, this can be overcome by driving the creative economy and MSMEs," explained Sutiaji.
In preparing the planning, he said, of course the variables in the planning must be considered. The 2021 Malang City Regional Government Work Plan (RKPD) is in line with other planning documents. The Malang City RKPD has the theme of accelerating the recovery of economic resilience and community life with a focus on the creative industry, tourism, investment facilities, strengthening human resources, simplifying bureaucracy, and equalizing infrastructure.
"No less important than the process of implementing the development of Malang City is the regional flagship program and innovation of various pentahelix elements whose role is very crucial, especially during the pandemic," explained Sutiaji.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), Dwi Rahayu, SH., M. Hum revealed that the development of a digital-based creative economy could be a solution to reduce the unemployment rate in Malang City. "The potential of Malang City's human resources is qualified and this pandemic has caused many digital-based activities. The city government is very supportive and will act as a facilitator," he concluded. (ari/ram)