In Balikpapan Visit, AHY Calls for Equitable Access to Raw Water

Balikpapan – Infrastructure and Regional Development Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) is scheduled to make a working visit to Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on Thursday (8 October 2026). The visit will bring together two development agendas: strengthening collaboration with universities and inspecting raw-water infrastructure for local residents.

Herzaky Mahendra Putra, a special adviser to the Coordinating Minister for Public Communication and Information, said AHY would deliver a scientific address at the Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK), then inspect the Gunung Tembak Raw Water Well and speak with members of the local community who benefit from it.

“Through this visit, Minister AHY wants to strengthen the links between knowledge, policy and the needs of the public. Universities have an important role in bringing forward ideas and innovation, while the site visit is an opportunity to hear residents’ needs directly,” Herzaky said.

At ITK, AHY is scheduled to deliver the address during an open senate session. The programme will also include the launch of the Indonesian State Institutes of Technology Consortium Forum (ITX) and awards for high-achieving lecturers and students.

Herzaky said the forum is expected to provide a platform for strengthening the contribution of technology universities to infrastructure and regional development.

“Development challenges require joint efforts. Collaboration between the government and universities is expected to produce solutions suited to regional characteristics and community needs,” Herzaky said.

After the ITK event, AHY is scheduled to visit the Gunung Tembak Raw Water Well. There, he will receive a briefing on the raw-water infrastructure, inspect the site and meet local residents who benefit from it.

Herzaky said dialogue with residents was an important way to understand service conditions and community needs directly.

“Water is a basic necessity, closely connected to health, everyday activities and people’s quality of life. Minister AHY wants to see conditions on the ground and hear residents’ experiences, so their needs can be taken into account in development coordination,” he said.

“Minister AHY’s presence in Balikpapan brings a spirit of building together. Involving universities, strengthening coordination and listening to the public are part of efforts to ensure development is better targeted and its benefits are felt in everyday life,” Herzaky said.