Natural Disasters Affect Development Performance in South Kalimantan
The South Kalimantan provincial government held a Musyawarah Perencanaan Pembangunan (Musrenbang) in preparation for drafting the 2027 Regional Government Work Plan (RKPD). The high intensity of natural disasters and fiscal limitations are affecting development performance in the region.
During the Musrenbang event held at the Idham Chalid Auditorium in the Governor’s Office Complex, South Kalimantan, on Tuesday (7/4), discussions revealed the prevalence of disasters in the form of hydrometeorological events such as flooding during the rainy season, forest and land fires (Karhutla), and droughts during the dry season.
Nevertheless, South Kalimantan Governor Muhidin assured the continuity of strategic development projects and the strengthening of regional infrastructure, which remain top priorities for the coming years. “This Musrenbang is an important momentum to unify the vision and steps for development to make it more directed and impactful for the community. We continue to refine our plans for strategic development projects,” said Muhidin.
The priority infrastructure projects mentioned include the construction of the Pulau Laut Bridge connecting Tanah Bumbu Regency and Kotabaru’s Pulau Laut, valued at nearly Rp5.9 trillion, the development of an international stadium in Banjarbaru for Rp1 trillion, and the central axis road connecting Banjarbaru City to Tapin Regency for Rp600 billion over 30 kilometres.
Muhidin also acknowledged the major challenges faced by the region regarding the impact of disasters on the economy and local development. He explained mitigation and flood management strategies through plans to build flood canals, sodetan systems, and river dredging from upstream areas in Tabalong and Hulu Sungai Utara Regencies to downstream areas, including the normalisation of the Alalak River in Banjarmasin. “We will also accelerate the construction of the Riam Kiwa Reservoir in Banjar Regency, which is expected to address annual flood threats. Currently, the land acquisition process is underway with a budget of Rp150 billion prepared,” said Muhidin.
Regarding the threat of forest and land fires (Karhutla), the South Kalimantan provincial government is building canals as water sources and wetting peatlands for mitigation. Issues related to disaster management were also proposed by several regional heads present at the Musrenbang.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs of Indonesia, Akhmad Wiyagus, who provided virtual guidance, expressed appreciation to the South Kalimantan provincial government for its commitment to aligning regional development planning with national policies. According to him, the implementation of this Musrenbang is an important instrument in ensuring that development direction is not only well-planned but also on target and directly impactful for the community.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening the quality of regional spending to make it more productive and capable of driving leading sectors in each region. Local governments can maximise existing potentials, both from natural resources and human resource development, to enhance regional competitiveness.
He explained that the national and regional economy and development are influenced by geopolitical conditions, climate change, and the challenge of the country’s debt burden.