On May 7, 2025, Dr. Suyadi, a member of the Malang City DPRD, received widespread appreciation from residents of Bandungrejosari for providing assistance based on community aspirations. The aid included a three-wheeled motorcycle, tents, trash cans, and a laptop, all tailored to meet the specific needs of the residents. This initiative reflects Suyadi's commitment to listening to the community and acting on their requests.
Devi, a teacher at PAUD Sang Surya, expressed her gratitude after receiving a laptop, stating, "We feel truly heard. When we conveyed our need for a laptop for PAUD activities, it was realized. This is a tangible example of a representative who works for us." Another resident from RW 08 Bandungrejosari praised Suyadi for his proactive approach, noting that he not only appears during elections but is also actively involved in public service. "Our needs are often overlooked. But Mr. Suyadi came directly, took notes, and now it’s proven. We tip our hats to him," the resident remarked.
In response to the accolades, Suyadi emphasized that the primary duty of a representative is to absorb and advocate for the community's aspirations without bias. "As long as I am entrusted with this role, I will continue to engage with the community. I do not discriminate. If you meet me and have a clear proposal, I will certainly advocate for it," he stated during his speech. He further asserted that collaboration between the community and representatives is vital for development that addresses real needs.
Suyadi criticized the notion that community aspirations are merely formalities, insisting that every proposal must be grounded in genuine public voices. "I don’t want aspirations to become just a budgetary formality. They must have an impact. That’s why I come directly, absorb the needs, and ensure they are realized," he stressed. This flood of praise underscores the importance of direct engagement with citizens and the public's expectation for legislators to prioritize fundamental needs.
Meanwhile, in East Kalimantan, Sarkowi V Zahry, a member of Commission IV of the East Kalimantan DPRD, is advocating for a revision of the Governor's Regulation regarding the distribution of financial assistance. He has voiced concerns that rigid regulations hinder the flow of aid to villages in Kutai Kartanegara, where residents have been vocal about their needs for roads, irrigation, and agricultural tools.
Sarkowi has taken proactive steps by sending a letter to the governor, urging for the revision of the regulation to facilitate direct assistance from the province to the communities without bureaucratic obstacles. "The rules have been too rigid. Community aspirations in villages often go unaddressed due to regulatory limitations. We have already written to the governor to expedite the revision of this regulation," he asserted.
Despite Kutai Kartanegara having a substantial Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD), Sarkowi pointed out that the vastness of the area leads to uneven development. Issues such as damaged roads, broken irrigation channels, and inadequate agricultural facilities remain pressing concerns. He aims for the regulation revision to be finalized this year so that residents can start reaping the benefits by 2026.
Importantly, Sarkowi highlighted that the needs of the villages are not extravagant. "On the ground, residents only need Rp 200 million to build a small road or agricultural facilities. It doesn’t have to be in the billions. This is what is currently not addressed by the regulation," he explained. In addition to basic infrastructure, he is also focusing on the agricultural sector, which is vital for the economy of the villages. He has prioritized the construction of farm roads, provision of superior seeds, and agricultural equipment in the regional planning system.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has launched the 2025 PIP Nomination Decree (SK) aimed at ensuring that children from low-income families can complete their education up to secondary levels. The PIP program provides cash assistance to eligible students, and the government has already published the nomination list for final grade students from elementary, middle, and high schools.
The recipients of the 2025 PIP Nomination Decree include 12,902 elementary students, 21,385 middle school students, 17,310 high school students, and 11,822 vocational school students. The ministry has advised students and their parents to check the SiPintar portal at pip.kemendikdasmen to verify their eligibility.
Students who are eligible must activate their PIP accounts at the distributing bank before May 31, 2025. Failure to activate the account by the deadline will result in cancellation of their nomination. The PIP program is designed to assist school-aged children in completing their education, covering both formal and non-formal education pathways.
Categories of recipients include holders of the Indonesia Smart Card (KIP), children from the Family Hope Program (PKH), holders of the Prosperous Family Card (KKS), orphans, children affected by natural disasters, dropouts wishing to return to school, children with disabilities, and those living in conflict areas or whose parents are victims of layoffs.
The PIP assistance can be used to meet educational needs that support the learning process. This initiative underlines the government's commitment to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent children from accessing quality education.
As these initiatives unfold, they reflect a broader commitment among local legislators and government bodies to address the needs of their communities directly and effectively. Whether through direct aid or regulatory reform, the focus remains on improving the lives of citizens and ensuring that their voices are heard and acted upon.
