UNAIR NEWS The Master of Political Science Program and the Political Science Student Association at 51动漫檚 Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP ) held a public lecture titled Quo Vadis: Public Policy in Surabaya? on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. The event, which was open to the public, took place at Soetandyo Hall and featured Surabaya Mayor Dr. Eri Cahyadi, ST., MT., as the keynote speaker.
This lecture aimed to critically examine public policy implementation through the perspective of a regional leader with firsthand experience. In his presentation, Mayor Cahyadi emphasized the city government’s commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that no communities are excluded from the benefits of progress.
Equity, digital innovation, and public participation
淚n Surabaya檚 policy approach, I firmly ensure that no form of discrimination exists within society. If any community remains underdeveloped, that indicates a failure in our development policy, said Cahyadi. He stressed that inclusivity is central to effective governance.
One example he cited was the transformation of areas beneath city bridges. The city relocated residents living in those areas, provided schooling for their children, and offered entrepreneurship training for their parents. 淪ince 2022, no residents in Surabaya live under bridges. This initiative was implemented well before the president檚 official visit in 2024, he explained.
Cahyadi also emphasized the importance of embracing digitalization in governance. He argued that digital tools enable a two-way dialogue between the public and the government. 淚n the past, authorities often acted as though they knew everything, without understanding the root issues. Now, decisions must be grounded in data and real-world conditions, he said.
Building stronger public-government partnerships
Drawing from his background in public administration, Cahyadi noted his familiarity with crafting policies that reflect the needs of the people. He pointed to recent urban renewal projects in the city檚 heritage district and on Tunjungan Street, which included public input in how revitalized spaces would be utilized.
In a closing statement, Eri underscored the importance of removing personal agendas from policymaking. 淩eal change only happens when leadership is not about personal fame. Public involvement is the key, he said.
He highlighted a successful example of public-private collaboration, where the city government partnered with hotel and restaurant operators to purchase produce directly from local farming cooperatives. Surabaya has also established regional partnerships攕uch as with Mojokerto攖o support food distribution networks.
Author: Samudra Luhur
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
