DPD RI Awards Expert Praises Candidates for Developing Regional Potential

Agustin Teras Narang, a member of the DPD RI Awards panel of experts, praised the candidates for their significant contributions to their regions. He said they had demonstrated innovation and a strong commitment to developing regional potential.

Teras made the remarks at a public communications forum organised by the DPD RI Secretariat General’s Public Relations Coordination Agency (Bakohumas) in Jakarta on Wednesday (4 November 2026). The forum was titled ‘Regional Collaboration for Indonesia: Recognising the Achievements and Innovations of the Best Regional Sons and Daughters’. He began by explaining that the DPD RI Awards are intended to recognise people driving progress in the regions.

“We are trying to give the best sons and daughters of the regions an opportunity to play a role in a highly dynamic society. For the DPD, they are part of us,” Teras said.

Also attending were DPD RI Secretary-General Commissioner General Mohammad Iqbal; Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs senior adviser for mass media and communications Molly Prabawaty; DPD RI Head of the Bureau of Organisation, Membership and Personnel Fitriani; and DPD RI Secretariat General Head of the Bureau of Public Relations and Media Mahyu Darma.

Teras said the candidates had been judged capable of contributing to regional development. Winners in the four DPD RI Awards categories would continue to receive support and attention.

“Whoever wins will remain someone we pay attention to, because we consider them an important part of carrying out our duties as representatives of the regions,” he said.

Teras also outlined the selection and judging process. Alongside him, the expert panel comprises Culture Minister Fadli Zon; National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) head Arif Satria; House of Representatives Commission II deputy chair Dede Yusuf Macan Effendi; and University of Indonesia professor Agustino Zulys.

“My task feels lighter because I am supported by these remarkable people. They have made an extraordinary contribution in narrowing the field from 1,112 applicants to 50,” he said.

“Those 50 were not simply chosen at random. I paid close attention to ensure they were genuinely qualified and capable of developing innovation and the potential in their regions. That was not easy,” Teras added.

This year’s categories are non-formal and out-of-school education innovator, health technology innovator, regional cultural preservationist, and independent village food-security champion. Teras said candidates had demonstrated excellence in both the quality and scale of their work.

“There is potential that has existed for 100 years, and someone is now trying to develop it. This is a regional strength and something positive for the area. I am grateful that they are truly active, driven by dedication, loyalty and love for their regions—bringing cultural values and heritage together with the technology available today,” he said.

Teras added that the DPD RI Awards sought to bring the stories of local leaders to a national audience. He described the candidates as valuable assets for the country.

“Our country is extraordinary. The DPD RI Awards bring these people into the public eye: ‘This is what exists in the regions; this is their potential; these are major assets with an important role at regional level, particularly for the younger generation’,” he said.