IKUB Survey Expanded, Malinau Regency Maps Religious Harmony Conditions

The local government is strengthening data-based social policies to maintain stability in multicultural societies. One approach involves measuring the level of religious harmony, a key indicator of regional social resilience. The Malinau Regency government in North Kalimantan is implementing the 2026 Religious Harmony Index Survey (IKUB) with an expanded coverage compared to previous periods. The survey runs for three months, from April to June 2026. This year’s implementation reaches five sub-districts: Mentarang, South Malinau, Malinau City, North Malinau, and West Malinau. Data collection occurs in 34 villages with a total of 400 respondents. Secretary of the National Unity and Politics Agency of Malinau Regency, Eva Prancina, stated that the expansion of the survey area aims to obtain a more comprehensive overview of religious harmony conditions. “In 2024, the survey was only conducted in four sub-districts. This year, we are expanding to five sub-districts with more villages so that the resulting data is increasingly representative,” Eva said in her statement on Thursday (7/5/2026). Eva explained that the 2026 IKUB survey involves 20 enumerators from student and religious instructor backgrounds. All enumerators underwent technical training before conducting data collection in the field to ensure the quality and validity of the survey results. “This collaboration is important because students have methodological skills, while religious instructors understand the social and religious conditions in the community,” she clarified. Based on previous survey results, Malinau Regency’s IKUB score in 2024 was recorded at 80.18, falling into the high category. This achievement indicates relatively harmonious interfaith relations, although the local government assesses that there is still room for strengthening in several social aspects. Deputy Regent of Malinau, Jakaria, stated that the IKUB survey serves as a strategic instrument in formulating data-based regional policies. “This survey is very important as a basis for policy-making. With accurate data, we can design appropriate programmes to strengthen tolerance and maintain community harmony,” said Jakaria. He also appreciated the involvement of students and religious instructors, which is seen as strengthening the participatory approach in the survey’s implementation in the community. “It is hoped that the 2026 survey results can provide a broader and deeper picture, so that efforts to maintain social harmony in Malinau Regency can continue to be improved,” he added. The Malinau Regency government targets the final IKUB 2026 survey results to serve as a reference for regional policies as well as a contribution to strengthening religious moderation and social stability at the national level.