Equal Access to Healthcare Must Be a Priority
Inclusive, equitable, and fair healthcare services are a right for every citizen. Achieving equal access to healthcare can only be accomplished through a strong commitment from local governments.
Amidst complex geographical challenges, particularly on the island of Sulawesi, distance and limited infrastructure must not be obstacles to providing proper health rights to all members of society. Local governments cannot focus solely on developing medical facilities in urban areas; instead, they must ensure distribution by strengthening the functions of auxiliary community health centres (Puskesmas pembantu), optimising the Posyandu network, and providing mobile health fleets, such as mobile land-based and boat-based health units to serve coastal and island regions.
In this context, the 2026 Batch II Regional Sulawesi Outstanding Local Government Awards were held to recognise regions deemed capable of expanding healthcare access and maintaining its quality. These regions were included in the awards under the ‘Access and Quality of Healthcare Services’ category.
This category assesses the commitment and performance of local governments in improving public access to high-quality and easily reachable healthcare. The assessment covers healthcare access, National Health Insurance (JKN) participation, proper sanitation, standardised health facilities, and free health check-ups. Regional innovation serves as an added value in delivering inclusive and impactful healthcare services.
The 2026 Batch II Regional Sulawesi Outstanding Local Government Awards continue a series of appreciations previously held in various regions of Indonesia. Following the Sumatra Region in Batam, the Java and Bali Region in Bali, and the Kalimantan Region in Balikpapan, the series proceeded to the Sulawesi Region.
Several local governments in Sulawesi received recognition for the programmes and innovations they have implemented, including environmental management, improving access to healthcare and education, and providing decent housing for the community.
The 2026 Batch II Regional Sulawesi Outstanding Local Government Awards took place on Friday, 10 September 2026, at 19:00 WITA. The event was broadcast via live stream on detikcom and detikSulsel.
The following is the list of regions that received awards in the Access and Quality of Healthcare Services category:
Provinces:
1st Best: Gorontalo Province
2nd Best: Southeast Sulawesi Province
Cities:
1st Best: Kendari City
2nd Best: Bau Bau City
3rd Best: Gorontalo City
Regencies:
1st Best: Barru Regency
2nd Best: Banggai Regency
3rd Best: Pangkajene Regency