From 'Speling' Programme to Investment: Key Focuses of Central Java's Development
Various development programmes were presented by the Governor of Central Java, Ahmad Luthfi, during the third stage of the 2026 Regional Development Awards (PPD) assessment at the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) office in Jakarta on Tuesday.
During the session, the Central Java Provincial Government presented the ‘Trisula Pembangunan’ (Three-Pronged Development) concept, which encompasses improving the quality of human resources, accelerating economic growth, and reducing poverty rates. These three agendas are supported by sustainable governance and development planning.
Luthfi explained that development in Central Java is conducted by ensuring continuity between central government policies and local-level implementation. Priority programmes are translated from the provincial level down to regencies, cities, and villages to ensure the benefits are felt directly by the community.
“For instance, eradicating poverty—starting from clothing, food, housing, health, and education—is a top priority,” he stated in a written release.
One programme specifically aimed at improving human resource quality is the ‘Dokter Spesialis Keliling’ (Speling), or Mobile Specialist Doctor programme. This initiative is designed to expand access to healthcare services for the public, particularly across various regions in Central Java.
From 2025 until 27 August 2026, the Speling programme has been implemented 1,607 times across 1,466 villages and sub-districts, reaching more than 128,000 target recipients.
Beyond the health sector, the Central Java Provincial Government is also strengthening poverty alleviation efforts through various interventions, ranging from fulfilling basic needs and improving housing to enhancing skills and expanding community access to employment.
On the economic front, the local government continues to encourage investment as a primary driver of growth and job creation. In 2025, investment realisation in Central Java reached approximately Rp110 trillion. Meanwhile, during the first half of 2026, investment realisation reached Rp59.94 trillion, absorbing around 213,000 workers.
He noted that Central Java’s inclusion in the national top three for the 2026 PPD serves as motivation to further strengthen regional development planning.
“We remain optimistic. This provides encouragement in formulating Central Java’s development plans,” he said.
According to Luthfi, the development process requires a clear direction so that every implemented programme can deliver a tangible impact on the community. Therefore, development planning must maintain alignment between the targets of the central government, provinces, regencies, cities, and villages.
Meanwhile, the Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Central Java, Sumarno, stated that being ranked in the top three of the 2026 PPD is a form of appreciation for the development processes undertaken by the provincial government.
“Alhamdulillah, at the very least, we have been invited as part of the top three today. We hope that what we are doing in Central Java receives due appreciation,” he remarked.
He added that the assessment process serves as an evaluative space to observe the extent to which development programmes benefit the public.
“The atmosphere was largely focused on discussion, as the committee members enquired about our achievements. In these discussions, the focus is usually on the impact—ensuring that what we do is felt collectively,” he concluded.
The third stage of the 2026 PPD presentation for Central Java was evaluated by a jury panel consisting of Ignasius Jonan, Djohermansyah Djohan, and Restuardy Daud. In this stage, Central Java competed alongside West Java and Jakarta in the top three provinces group.