DPD Chairman Assures No Intervention in DPD RI Awards 2026
Registration for the DPD RI Awards 2026 remains open until 21 August to identify figures driving regional development. DPD RI Chairman Sultan B Najamudin has assured that the DPD RI Awards process is free from intervention.
The DPD RI Awards 2026 marks the second time the event has been held. DPD RI Chairman Sultan believes many regional figures have yet to receive attention.
“We are doing this because so many aspirations have come in, so much potential from local heroes and local champions in the regions that has not yet entered the radar,” Sultan said at the DPD RI Awards 2025 event.
Sultan said the event is held to identify heroes in the regions who have so far not been in the spotlight. He said the event also represents the aspirations of regional communities.
“We are 152 DPD members, which if converted represents nearly 80 million regional citizens who have entrusted their mandate to us. That is why through the DPD Awards we want to identify and discover so much untapped potential, local heroes, local champions. Regional people who have contributed significantly and participated in regional progress in their respective fields but have not yet been monitored,” he explained.
Sultan assured that the DPD RI leadership cannot intervene in the award winners. He said the Expert Council members involved are capable and independent.
“We will see the categories later, because we are not allowed to intervene either. There are fields of tourism, culture, women and children, education, social affairs, and many more. Involving capable, independent and transparent judges. The leadership also cannot intervene; to this day I do not know who the winners are,” he said.
Registration for the DPD RI Awards 2026 remains open until 21 August. The public can nominate themselves or candidates through the official DPD RI website at https://awards.dpd.go.id.
This year, there are four award categories: Non-Formal Education Innovator, Health Technology Innovator, Food Self-Sufficient Village Driver, and Regional Culture Preservationist.
The first category is in the field of education. This award will be given to individuals who have dedication and contribute to non-formal education.
“The award is given to Non-Formal Education Innovators who are dedicated to developing non-formal education and expanding learning opportunities for the community,” DPD RI stated.
The DPD RI Awards 2026 is also given to figures who have made contributions in the health sector. The award will be given to those who are health technology innovators.
“Given to individuals, professionals or academics who produce innovations in the health sector through clinical or laboratory research, including the discovery of medicines, therapies, or medical devices that benefit the community,” DPD explained.
Next is the field of food security. The award will be given to figures who are drivers in building food self-sufficient villages.
“Aimed at Food Self-Sufficient Village Drivers who promote food self-sufficiency through the utilisation of local food potential, community empowerment, and strengthening food security sustainably,” it said.
The final category is in the field of arts and culture. This award will be given to individuals who preserve and promote regional culture.
“Given to individuals who have innovation in the development and preservation of regional culture and play an active role in promoting regional culture at national and international levels,” DPD explained.
DPD RI will also present Special Recognition Awards for figures, individuals, or groups who have made consistent and sustainable contributions to their regions.