The Government Studies Student Association (HIMAP) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang, in collaboration with Corruption Watch (MCW), organized a Public Service Workshop with the theme "Public Service in Malang City" on April 14. The speakers for this event, which was attended by Government Studies students and activists from Non-Governmental Organizations, were Dr. Tri Sulistyaningsih, M.Si., Head of the Government Studies Program at UMM, and Luthfi J. Kurniawan, Chairperson of the MCW Board of Directors. This workshop was intentionally held as a form of student concern for the quality of public service in Malang City. It is time for students, as agents of change, to take concrete actions for society. According to Luthfi, the role of students is not only to focus on personal intellectual interests, such as achieving good grades or other individual accomplishments. Students must play a broader role so that society can experience the real benefits of having students as pioneers of positive change. "Students of Government Studies must play a role in bringing about change in the field of governance. This workshop is a form of student involvement in achieving good public services in Malang City," he stated. The workshop organized by the students with the NGO served as a platform for understanding the quality of public service in Malang City.
According to Dr. Tri Sulistyaningsih, M.Si., even though Malang City is considered a modern city, it still faces socio-economic issues that deserve serious attention. The development of Malang City has been considered to deviate from the principles of humanity, as evidenced by uneven economic growth. In Malang City, the development of the wealthy category has been rapid, as shown by the rise and proliferation of industries in various sectors. This growth should be appreciated, but it becomes an ironic issue when looking at the rapid increase in the number of poor people in Malang City. The number of poor people in Malang is growing, and they live along the Brantas River, in markets, by railway tracks, and in other slum areas. In addition, the number of street children and beggars in Malang City has been increasing. This issue has become part of the problems facing the city. "Malang, a modern and developed city, hides many problems. The poor are multiplying, and this is a significant responsibility for the government of Malang City," she said.
From an urban planning perspective, Malang City has become increasingly disorganized. Development is occurring everywhere without consideration for public open spaces. The community is finding it more difficult to find safe and comfortable places. According to this mother of three, the impact of the city’s disorganization is traffic congestion. "Malang's transportation system is much slower now compared to ten years ago," she explained. Many issues in Malang City have not received serious attention from the local government. The government of Malang City seems to be lulled by the slogans it holds, such as being an "Educational City" and a "Flower City." It is time for Malang City to not just focus on slogans but to back them up with real facts.
