SOLO, THE SPIRIT OF JAVA

                                                     Bengawan Solo song, Japanese version

     

When read and talking about SOLO, central Java, what cross to my mind is a good image, peaceful environment and a city not to crowded. Let us take some example that well known nationally like hand made Batik fashion, soft spoken citizen, nice girls and Sultanate.
 

                                       Solo gate

The good  scent coming out from municipality especially the character of Mayor, Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi. Joko, relatively young, 49 answered the reporters why he was never withdraw his salary, since his life could afford by his family business. Using old car from his successor then buy a new model, luxury one that he entitle to do so. Above behavior is not common in high officials in Indonesia.
 

In order to protect small businesses, he turn down Shopping malls development application as a trend in whole cities in the country.  Relocated small business to a proper places no attacks whatsoever, he approach the small business community instead of using power as a common practices in Indonesia. He relocated them in order to spare more room for green environment
The new program  is about operated a new 2 storeys  Bus for city tour own by the municipality. He copied a lots from Europe when he traveled in business trip before elected as a mayor.

 

                                         Solo Castel
 
 In his effort to branding Solo as a Spirit of Java, Solo registered as a member of World cities heritage in 2006 and two years later assigned as a host for Conference of this Organization. Municipality kept Benteng Vastenburg from destroyed for a shopping mall and stage for World Music festival in 2007 . Then in 2008 this festival held in the palace Mangkunegaran
 

 

                                  Batik, Java traditional shirt  

That is why, a reputable Indonesia magazine Tempo included him as one of 10 top leader in 2008.
Government should see SOLO city management as a model for all cities all over the country, to paid special attention to make city a convenience place to live. If Joko Widodo's term is over in 2015 for the second terms, his name will be recorded well in Solo city history or Indonesia leadership model as well.

If you happened visit to Jogjakarta city, take advantage visit Solo by commuter train or bus and return to Yogjakarta again later at night to witness how different this city then other cities in Indonesia.

                                  Solo palace crews
 

2 comments:

Endang Puji said...

I was born in Solo, a city that I'm proud

March 20, 2011 9:14 AM

PINONDANG SITUMEANG said...

Mbak Endang, no wonder you are one of the admired lady of this peaceful city Thank you for your support to visit this blog Best regard,

March 20, 2011 10:47 PM

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