IPDN Rector: Recognising High-Performing Local Governments is Not the Final Step in Serving the People

The Rector of the Institute of Home Affairs Studies (IPdan), Halilul Khairi, has delivered a message to local governments set to receive the Batch II 2026 High-Performing Local Government Awards for the Kalimantan region.

Halilul stated that such recognition should serve as a catalyst for award-winning local governments to continue performing their best, rather than becoming complacent. “Those receiving this award have not reached a final destination. This is merely a trigger,” he told CNN Indonesia after inspecting the award ceremony venue at the Platinum Hotel on Wednesday (2/9).

The awards ceremony is organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) and IPDN.

Furthermore, Halilul noted that the duty of local governments is to serve the people wholeheartedly and to the maximum extent possible, without merely seeking awards. “For us at the Ministry of Home Affairs, this is simply a way for the central government to acknowledge that they have worked well. However, the most authentic recognition they should seek is from their own people,” he expressed.

Halilul continued, stating that the goal of local governments is to ensure public satisfaction with services and performance, and to promote prosperity. “Therefore, the essence of this appreciation is not the award itself, but rather how we encourage and urge local governments, and subsequently provide awards, so that they deliver the best possible service and serve their people to the maximum,” he added.

The 2026 Batch II High-Performing Local Government Awards for the Kalimantan region will be held on Thursday (3/9) at the Platinum Hotel, Balikpapan. The event is expected to be attended by regional heads from across the Kalimantan region.

The event will also involve five governors and the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) at the provincial level across Kalimantan, as well as regents and mayors.

Beyond being an awards ceremony, the agenda includes a coordination meeting (rakor) for provincial Forkopimda with the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam). This meeting is expected to strengthen coordination between local and central governments in facing various challenges.