Central Kalimantan Receives Education Recognition at National Governance Awards 2026

The Central Kalimantan Provincial Government (Pemprov Kalteng) received an award in the education category at the National Governance Awards 2026, held by Metro TV at Mega Kuningan in Jakarta on Friday (24/4). The award was presented directly by the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu’ti to the Deputy Governor of Central Kalimantan, Edy Pratowo. Deputy Governor Edy Pratowo expressed his gratitude for the award, stating that it embodies the strong commitment of the Pemprov Kalteng in the field of education. Under the leadership of Governor Agustiar Sabran, the Pemprov Kalteng is striving to make breakthroughs in improving education quality based on technology and equitable access to education for the community. “The issues of injustice, inequality, and disparities have motivated us to enhance human resource quality through education, namely through the free school programme. Then, digitalisation of learning through interactive boards and whiteboards,” said Edy. The breakthroughs of Pemprov Kalteng also include opening D1 vocational education for 2,000 prospective D1 students, as well as implementing the One Family One Bachelor programme, which includes scholarship provision. This year, the programme targets 10,000 new prospective students with full financing. “For one family one bachelor, it’s for the programme of 10,000 new prospective students. Everything is free, covered by the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government. And for those who are unable to afford it and those in the interior areas of Central Kalimantan,” explained Edy. Central Kalimantan’s success in winning this award is inseparable from the strengthening of the digital learning ecosystem that continues to be developed massively. Pemprov Kalteng continues to encourage the utilisation of technology in the teaching and learning process, from the use of digital devices in schools to the development of adaptive and inclusive online-based learning systems, such as Kelas Digital Huma Betang, Hybrid Learning, Foreign Language Learning, and others. This digitalisation is also supported by the provision of modern educational facilities and infrastructure, such as interactive TVs or interactive whiteboards that are now starting to be used in all SMA/SMK/SKH throughout Central Kalimantan. This step is seen as capable of improving learning quality while addressing educational challenges in the digital transformation era. In addition, flagship programmes like free schools and free universities have become key factors in increasing educational access in Central Kalimantan. These programmes provide the widest possible opportunities for the community, especially from underprivileged groups and those in remote areas, to pursue education without being burdened by costs. Acting Head of the Central Kalimantan Education Office, Muhammad Reza Prabowo, stated that this achievement is the result of collective efforts by all parties in driving educational transformation in the region. “This award serves as motivation for us to continue strengthening the digital learning ecosystem in Central Kalimantan. We want to ensure that all students, whether in urban or remote areas, receive quality education access through technology utilisation,” said Reza. He added that the free school and university programmes are part of the local government’s commitment to improving human resource quality. “We do not want any more children in Central Kalimantan to drop out of school due to financial limitations. Through the free school and free university programmes, we are opening the widest access so that the younger generation can achieve a better future,” concluded Reza. Moving forward, Pemprov Kalteng is committed to continuing to bring innovations in the education sector focused on infrastructure development, as well as improving learning quality that is relevant to the times. This award is hoped to inspire other regions in developing technology-based and inclusive education towards Indonesia Emas 2045. The National Governance Awards 2026 was held in the momentum of Local Autonomy Day commemorated every 25 April, as a form of recognition for regions that have successfully brought innovations and real impacts for the community. Local governments are assessed from policy aspects, as well as the implementation of various programmes that directly touch the needs of the people.