UNAIR Hosts Public Lecture on Surabaya’s Public Policy Direction: Insights from Mayor Eri Cahyadi
On May 28, 2025, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Universitas Airlangga organized a public lecture titled “Quo Vadis: Public Policy in Surabaya?” The event took place at Soetandyo Hall and featured Dr. Eri Cahyadi, ST., MT., the Mayor of Surabaya, as the keynote speaker.
Insights into Public Policy Execution
The lecture aimed to provide insights into public policy execution from the perspective of a regional leader. Mayor Cahyadi emphasized the Surabaya city government’s commitment to inclusive development and highlighted the importance of ensuring equitable progress for all communities.
Addressing Discrimination and Underdevelopment
During his presentation, Cahyadi addressed the necessity of eliminating discrimination within society and noted that cases of underdevelopment signal shortcomings in the city’s development policies. He referenced an initiative that relocated residents residing under city bridges, noting that since 2022, those areas have been cleared. This initiative aimed to provide educational opportunities for children and entrepreneurship training for their parents, implemented prior to the president’s official visit in 2024.
The Role of Digitalization in Governance
Cahyadi also discussed the significance of digitalization in governance, illustrating how technology facilitates a two-way dialogue between the public and government. He asserted that decision-making should be data-driven and responsive to the realities faced by citizens, moving away from outdated practices where authorities acted without sufficient understanding of the issues at hand.
Public Participation in Policymaking
The mayor further emphasized the role of public participation in effective policymaking, citing urban renewal efforts in Surabaya’s heritage district that incorporated community input concerning the revitalization of public spaces.
Concluding Remarks on Leadership and Collaboration
In his concluding remarks, Cahyadi stressed the importance of separating personal agendas from public policy initiatives. He indicated that meaningful change can only occur when leadership prioritizes public involvement over personal recognition. He also mentioned a collaborative effort involving local food producers and the city government to enhance food distribution networks through regional partnerships.
Author: Samudra Luhur
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
(Cited from Universitas Airlangga)
