Jember Regency Government Secures Three Awards in One Week

In the past week, the Jember Regency Government (Pemkab Jember) has achieved a proud milestone by securing three awards from various institutions. This recognition reflects the local government’s performance, which extends beyond policy formulation to tangible improvements in public services, poverty alleviation, and women’s empowerment.

In the public services sector, Jember Regent Gus Fawait received the PWI Jatim Award 2026 in the category of Regional Figure for Enhancing Public Services. The award was presented as part of National Press Day 2026 and the 80th anniversary of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) East Java, held at the Dyandra Convention Center on Thursday, 16 April 2026.

“Alhamdulillah, thank you to PWI East Java for this award. It serves as a vitamin for all of us to work harder and with greater enthusiasm in providing the best services for the people of Jember,” said Gus Fawait.

Gus Fawait outlined three flagship programmes driving change in Jember: Priority Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Comprehensive Services for Printing ID Cards at Sub-districts (Peta Cinta), and Wadul Gus’e.

Gus Fawait explained that Priority UHC is a programme ensuring all Jember residents, especially the underprivileged, have access to free treatment at hospitals across Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Peta Cinta is designed to eliminate bureaucratic barriers between urban and rural residents. Through this programme, civil registry services such as ID card and family card printing can now be completed directly at sub-district offices without needing to travel to the city centre.

The Wadul Gus’e programme is a direct communication platform that bridges the gap between the people and the regent. Through it, residents can voice complaints and fresh ideas directly to their leader for service improvements at all levels.

Gus Fawait emphasised that the availability of service logistics, such as ID card blanks at sub-districts, will continue to be ensured to support the smooth implementation of Peta Cinta. He also hopes the community will become more active in contributing ideas through the provided channels.

Jember Regent Gus Fawait received the Strengthening Democracy award category during the 20th anniversary of Beritajatim.com at Grand City Surabaya on Tuesday, 21 April 2026. (Photo: Pemkab Jember)

Next, in efforts to alleviate poverty, Gus Fawait received an award in the Strengthening Democracy category, with a specific sub-category as a Figure for Poverty Alleviation Based on Accelerated Development. The award was given during the 20th anniversary of Beritajatim.com, held at Grand City, Gubeng Street, Surabaya, on Tuesday, 21 April 2026.

This award acknowledges the significant achievements of Pemkab Jember in reducing poverty rates through data validation and extensive fieldwork. Gus Fawait stressed that this accomplishment is not an individual achievement but the result of hard work by the entire government apparatus, particularly civil servants who collaborate without barriers.

“I dedicate this award to the entire Jember Regency Government apparatus, the civil servants who today go down to the field to work together. Regardless of their origins, whether teachers, healthcare workers, or others, all unite to ensure that extreme poverty data in Jember is truly accurate,” said Gus Fawait.

Gus Fawait added that data accuracy is the main foundation for targeted development interventions, ensuring that allocated budgets truly benefit those in need.

He acknowledged that poverty is a fundamental issue triggering a chain of other social problems in East Java, particularly in Jember. According to him, successfully reducing poverty rates will have a direct impact on improving the overall quality of life for the community.

“We know that poverty causes many other problems, from stunting rates and maternal and infant mortality to criminality. The root of all these issues is poverty,” he explained.

Although Jember’s poverty reduction performance in 2025 was recorded as one of the best in East Java and the Tapal Kuda region, Gus Fawait affirmed that they will not become complacent. He has prepared short-, medium-, and long-term strategies for a major leap forward.

“My hope is that the poverty figure in Jember can drop below the psychological threshold of 200,000. Over the past 10 years, the absolute poverty number has always been above that figure. I, along with all regional offices and the team, will work maximally to achieve this target.”

The Chair of the PKK Movement of Jember Regency, Ning Ghyta Eka Puspita, received the Puspa Cita category award at the Anugerah Puspa Bangsa 2026 at Menara 1 Kompas, Palmerah, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, 21 April 2026. (Photo: Diskominfo Jember)

On the other hand, in efforts to empower women, the Chair of the PKK Movement of Jember Regency and Chair of Dekranasda Jember Regency, Ning Ghyta Eka Puspita, successfully received the Puspa Cita category award at the Anugerah Puspa Bangsa 2026 on Tuesday, 21 April 2026.

The Puspa Cita category is awarded to Chairs of the PKK Movement at the regency/city level who are deemed successful in mobilising family and community empowerment.

For Ning Ghyta, this award is not merely a symbol but recognition of the women’s empowerment movement that grows from the community. Through her active role in the PKK Movement of Jember Regency, she prioritises a collaborative approach, placing the family at the centre of change.

“For me, many local issues stem from the family. Therefore, PKK is present to assist, accompany, and strengthen women to become drivers from the smallest scope,” she said.

One of the flagship programmes initiated is Mlijo Cinta, integrated with Dekranasda as a space for consultation and mentoring for women entrepreneurs.