The government is continuously seeking a fairer and more objective\nformula for measuring the performance of regional governments. In\nvarious national appreciation events, the main challenge that often\narises is the disparity in characteristics between regions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith a composition of 38 provinces, 98 cities, and 416 regencies,\neach region has different capabilities or characteristics,\u201d said\nInterior Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian at the Appreciation for\nHigh-Performing Regional Governments 2026 event on 25 April 2026.<\/p>\n
Differences in fiscal capacity, human resources, and geographical\nconditions become factors that make each region have an unequal starting\npoint. In practice, a uniform assessment approach risks ignoring this\ncomplexity. Therefore, more contextual indicators are needed, which not\nonly look at absolute achievements but also consider the efforts and\nprogress of each region.<\/p>\n
One crucial issue that is now a primary focus in assessments is\npoverty. Indonesia\u2019s social structure shows that the majority are still\nin vulnerable and low-income groups, with a relatively limited middle\nclass. This condition positions poverty alleviation efforts as an\nimportant indicator in evaluating the success of regional\ngovernments.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat does that mean? Our society is still dominated by the less\nfortunate. Our collective challenge is how to elevate them,\u201d said Tito.\nThis poverty then becomes one of the criteria for assessment in\ninter-regional competitions, accompanied by another variable, namely\nstunting.<\/p>\n
Tito believes that the issue of stunting or malnutrition is also an\nimportant parameter. Stunting not only impacts physical health but also\nchildren\u2019s cognitive development. In the long term, this condition has\nthe potential to hinder the quality of human resources and workforce\nproductivity. Therefore, regions that can reduce stunting rates through\ninnovative health and nutrition programmes are deemed worthy of greater\nappreciation.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, the government is also encouraging breakthroughs\nin regional financial management through the concept of creative\nfinancing. This approach emphasises the region\u2019s ability to tap new\nrevenue sources, improve spending efficiency, and create innovations in\nmanaging the Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD).<\/p>\n
Creative financing is crucial amid budget constraints, as it demands\ncreativity and innovation from regional heads in maintaining fiscal\nbalance without sacrificing public services. Regions that can present\ninnovative solutions in this sector are considered to have stronger\ncompetitiveness.<\/p>\n
In the Appreciation for High-Performing Regional Governments 2026,\nthere are four dimensions for assessing regional performance. First, the\ndimension of reducing unemployment rates, coordinated by the Domestic\nPolicy Strategy Agency (BSKDN). Second, the dimension of tackling\npoverty and reducing stunting, coordinated by the Directorate General of\nRegional Development at the Ministry of Home Affairs.<\/p>\n
Third, the dimension of inflation control, coordinated by the\nInspectorate General (Itjen) of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Fourth,\nthe dimension of Creative Financing\/Entrepreneurial Government,\ncoordinated by the Directorate General of Regional Finance.<\/p>\n
The Head of BSKDN at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Yusharto\nHuntoyungo, stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs has a very broad\nscope of work. Among them, providing guidance and supervision over\ngovernment affairs. \u201cGovernment affairs include mandatory ones, optional\nones, and absolute ones,\u201d he said on Wednesday, 29 April 2026.<\/p>\n
In addition, the Central Government has several priority programmes\nthat must be completed concurrently between the Central Government,\nProvinces, and Regency\/City Governments. This combination leads the\nInterior Minister to identify what is most dominant and must be\naddressed immediately in the short term by regional heads. \u201cBecause\nregional heads were just elected in 2024, the evaluation timeframe is\nalso limited,\u201d said Yusharto.<\/p>\n
According to him, what is most feasible to be quickly assessed forms\nthe basis for consideration of those four dimensions. Reducing\nunemployment rates, tackling poverty and reducing stunting, controlling\ninflation, and creative financing\u2014all these, according to Yusharto, have\nnuances that must be addressed and can provide impact to society in the\ncurrent conditions.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, the regional performance assessment system is expected\nnot only to serve as a competition arena but also as a strategic\ninstrument to drive balanced development. Fair assessments, based on\nrelevant indicators such as poverty, stunting, and financing\ninnovations, are hoped to spur regions to continue innovating and\nimproving societal welfare sustainably.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/appreciation-for-high-performing-regional-governments-2026-efforts-to-measure-regional-performance-fairly-1777561493", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }