THE REPORTER | Banda Aceh Mayoral Candidate Illiza Sa’aduddin Djamal held a friendly visit with dozens of journalists at Warkop Bang Coy, Banda Aceh, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
Illiza explained a number of priority programs that she planned for the welfare of the Banda Aceh community, while asking for support from journalists in disseminating her vision and mission to the public.
Illiza also emphasized the importance of continuing and improving the scholarship program for the Banda Aceh community and strengthening health services.
“We must distribute this scholarship to the people of Banda Aceh City. In addition, we will focus on re-empowering the mobile health centers, which we previously ran during our leadership. We will also evaluate hospitals so that health services, both at health centers and hospitals, can be improved for the better,” said Illiza.
Illiza, who previously served as Mayor of Banda Aceh, also highlighted the importance of organizing the city’s infrastructure. According to him, the ongoing road construction will continue to be evaluated to ensure maximum benefits for the community.
“We will map out which areas need further development, including solutions to address flooding and city cleanliness,” he explained.
In the economic sector, Illiza is committed to supporting MSMEs and new entrepreneurs with various incentives. One of them is a one-year tax exemption for small businesses that are just developing, as well as providing incentives for entrepreneurs who comply with taxes.
“We will provide convenience, such as a one-year tax exemption for entrepreneurs who are just starting out and incentives for those who consistently pay taxes. In addition, we will also place street vendors in suitable locations, in accordance with sharia principles, as a solution to reduce poverty and reduce unemployment,” continued Illiza.
He also stated that the management of city resources will be optimized by utilizing APBN funds and assistance from outside the city. “We already understand how to get a budget from outside for city development. God willing, we can together realize the hopes of the Banda Aceh community,” he said.
One of the issues highlighted by Illiza was public complaints regarding the increase in PDAM rates. He promised to review the tariff policy and improve clean water services for residents.
“PDAM is not a company that aims to seek profit, but to provide excellent service to the community. We will evaluate the increase in water tariffs so that it is in accordance with the community’s ability, while ensuring a better supply of clean water,” said Illiza, who also has experience in government.
Illiza Sa’aduddin Djamal is a figure who is no stranger to Banda Aceh. He served as Mayor of Banda Aceh in the 2014-2017 period.
During his leadership, Illiza was known as a firm leader in implementing Islamic law in Banda Aceh and focused on community empowerment programs, especially in the fields of health, education, and infrastructure. With his long experience in government, Illiza is ready to return to lead Banda Aceh with a better vision for the future of this city.
The gathering event was closed with a question and answer session with journalists, where Illiza received various inputs and support from media colleagues in the context of the 2024 Banda Aceh Pilkada.[AR]
editor: Deddy Ridwan