5. CITRA DALAM POLITIK KOTA: KAJIAN KOTA SURAKARTA 2005-2013

Abstract

Local government leaders with good vision would have strong powers and new incentives for policy
innovation. In Surakarta local leaders have been playing crucial role in shaping new direction for urban
development. In the name of political inclusion, they ask community groups as well business groups to involve in
the policy process. Based on a case study in Surakarta city, this report argues that the active role of local
government can be attributed as the broad explanation for the Surakarta city’s performance in urban
development. This study’s findings suggest that government leadership is an important policy determinant that can
shape the interests of the community and business. Vision “Solo Past is Solo Future” has been the rallying point of
the local economic development. This vision has been able to be used to create cultural activities that has been
determinant in bridging the interests of the society as a whole.