Padang City Government Impressed by Malioboro Area Arrangement Program and Yogyakarta City Underground Fiber Optic Cable

KabarJawa.com– The Padang City Government, West Sumatra Province, has expressed interest in two of the Yogyakarta City Government’s flagship programs, namely the arrangement of the Malioboro area and the underground fiber optic cable system.

The working visit of the Padang City Government took place full of enthusiasm on Friday (16/10) in the Yudhistira Room, Yogyakarta City Hall.

The group was led directly by the Deputy Mayor of Padang, H. Maigus Nasir. The Deputy Mayor of Yogyakarta, Wawan Harmawan, together with the Head of the Yogyakarta City Communication, Informatics and Encryption Service (Diskominfosan), Ignatius Tri Hastono, warmly welcomed.

Padang City Government Visit

The atmosphere of the meeting was friendly but full of meaning. From the faces of the guests, it was clear that they were amazed at the success of the City of Yogyakarta in changing the face of Malioboro to become more orderly, clean and friendly for tourists.

In his speech, Wawan Harmawan explained that the arrangement of the Malioboro area was not born instantly. The process is long and requires a strong social approach, especially for MSME players.

The government not only moved them to Terrace Malioboro 1 and 2, but also changed their mindset so that they support the arrangement.

“Changing the mindset of traders takes time and patience. We continue to carry out outreach so that they understand that this arrangement is actually to increase comfort and the economic value of the area,” said Wawan firmly.

Now, Malioboro’s face has changed completely. The pedestrian path becomes wider, the rows of kiosks appear uniform, and the area looks more lively without being chaotic.

The government also provides incentives to relocated traders. For almost the first three years, they were rent-free.

“We want them to adapt without burden. After that, this area will grow by itself. Now Malioboro Terrace has become a new destination, in fact many tourists come not only to shop, but also to enjoy the atmosphere,” he added.

Underground Cable Arrangement

Meanwhile, Ignatius Tri Hastono, Head of the Yogyakarta City Communication and Information Office, said that one of the main keys to the aesthetics of Malioboro and other city areas is the arrangement of underground fiber optic and electricity cable networks.

“We are working together with the Public Works and Public Housing Department to organize this infrastructure. As a result, now almost all areas of the city are free from hanging cables that are an eyesore,” he explained.

He added that the arrangement of underground cables not only beautifies the city layout, but also supports the transformation of Yogyakarta towards a smart city. Telecommunication infrastructure is now more orderly, safe and efficient in maintenance.

“Arranging fiber optic cables is much easier and cheaper than underground electricity cables. But the effect is big. The face of the city immediately changes, and people are more comfortable,” he said

Inspiration for Other Regions

Hearing this broadcast, the Deputy Mayor of Padang, H. Maigus Nasir, could not hide his admiration.

He called the success of the city of Yogyakarta an inspiration for other regions that are planning urban areas.

“We were very impressed. The arrangement of the Malioboro area really taught us valuable lessons. We want Padang to also have its own Malioboro, a proud city icon and a new tourist attraction,” he said.

Maigus Nasir revealed that the Padang City Government is preparing a large project to revitalize the city’s market and tourist areas, including the arrangement of underground cables and main pedestrian routes.

“We have learned from Yogyakarta. If everything goes according to plan, construction will start in January next year and we are targeting completion in 2027,” he said.

He also expressed the hope that the Yogyakarta City Government would be willing to visit Padang when the project was completed. They want to show the results and are grateful that Yogyakarta has provided inspiration.

“Collaboration between regions like this is important for mutual progress,” he concluded.

The Yogyakarta City Government’s innovative steps deserve to be a national example. The Malioboro area planning program and underground cable arrangement are proof that the beauty of the city does not have to conflict with technological progress.

Now, Yogyakarta is not just a cultural tourist city, but also a modern city with an aesthetic and sustainable perspective. Every corner is a witness to change born from the courage to innovate.

With the spirit of sharing knowledge and experience, the city of Yogyakarta has proven itself to be a national class urban laboratory, a place where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously.

From here, inspiration for other cities, including Padang, continues to emerge for a more orderly, advanced and beautiful Indonesia. (ef linangkung)