Pontianak residents bring back the gotong royong tradition during a citywide clean-up action

Pontianak, Thekabarnews.com—The Taman Pal Lima neighborhood on Karet Street in West Pontianak was busy in the morning as people came together with brooms and hoes, Sunday, January 25.

The people’s cleanup was part of a program that took place at the same time in six Pontianak districts. Its goal was to bring back the long-standing gotong royong tradition, or cooperation, among citizens.

The head of the neighborhood and community unit (RT/RW), Zainal Arifin, in Pal Lima Village, was pleased with the plan that the Pontianak administration came up with. He said the event was about more than just clearing clogged drains. Instead, it was also about preserving a social heritage that values the environment’s beauty. The effort is especially important since the area is expected to become a major route.

“When the Kapuas III Bridge is fully open, the roadway will immediately become a main road. People who are not from the city will come through here. That means this neighborhood has to be as well-organized and as lovely as possible,” Zainal added.

The head of Pal Lima Village, Deni Saputra, said that the initiative is also a wonderful way to establish social bonds. When people work together in their community, it is easier for them to talk to government officials. Such communication is easier than it is in formal meetings at government offices.

This method fits with the goals of Pontianak Mayor Edi Rusdi Kamtono and Deputy Mayor Bahasan to strengthen cooperation between the public and local government.

The Pontianak administration’s government and public welfare assistant, Ismail, said that the administration still tells heads of regional agencies to work directly with locals in the field. Having officials in the neighborhood has been beneficial. It lets officials quickly understand what people want.

“Residents brought up several issues this morning. Coincidentally, the necessary agencies were there, so they could listen immediately. We will study them later to figure out what constructive steps to do next,” Ismail stated.

Ismail said that the gotong royong program will always be the major way to enhance local knowledge. The exercise also aims to foster public trust in the government by enabling direct engagement with it on the ground. In addition, it helps keep drainage canals and roadside areas clean.