Jakarta (ANTARA) - Newly inaugurated Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi is committed to focusing entirely on infrastructure improvements and poverty eradication in the province.

"We will implement all programs optimally, including infrastructure," he stated after attending the inauguration of regional heads on Thursday.

Luthfi said he plans to accelerate all initiatives by prioritizing key action programs.

Ahead of the Eid al-Fitr homecoming season, Central Java, as a major hub for homecoming traffic on Java Island, will coordinate with the central government, particularly the Ministry of Public Works, to ensure national roads are in optimal condition.

Additionally, services for provincial and district roads will be improved to support homecoming travel.

To address poverty, Luthfi plans to introduce several initiatives, including enhancing basic services by repairing 2,600 schools under the provincial government's jurisdiction.

He also stressed the importance of achieving food self-sufficiency by establishing rice barns and developing secondary irrigation infrastructure.

Under his leadership, social assistance programs will be expanded, including the provision of 1,000 habitable houses and direct cash assistance.

To address educational challenges faced by the extremely poor, his administration will offer scholarships for 160,000 school dropouts, providing support such as funding for uniforms, internet access, books, and other necessities.

Regarding the budget efficiency policy, Luthfi clarified that efficiency does not mean eliminating funds but rather optimizing their use.

He plans to cut spending on official travel, meetings, and unpopular programs.

Programs that do not align with public needs will be re-evaluated, with funds redirected to priority areas, such as infrastructure development.

"Programs that are not pro-people must be evaluated. In the future, we aim to build proper infrastructure through collaboration between the central and regional governments," Luthfi remarked.

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Translator: Fathur Rochman, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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