South Sumatra Governor Awarded Satyalancana Wira Karya by President Prabowo
South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru has been awarded the Satyalancana Wira Karya honour by President Prabowo Subianto. The award recognises his dedication and contributions in governance, particularly in the management, development, and infrastructure development of the marine and fisheries sector.
The award was presented by Indonesia’s Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian, at Sasana Bhakti Praja, Level 3, Building C, Ministry of Home Affairs headquarters in Central Jakarta, on Monday, 1 June 2026. The honour was conferred under Presidential Decree No. 126/TK/2025 on the Awarding of the Satyalancana Wira Karya.
Herman Deru was recognised for his active role in coastal conservation through mangrove rehabilitation programmes, supported by strengthened spatial regulation, establishment of institutions such as KKMD, Forum DAS, and LDPHD, and enhanced cross-sector coordination.
Additionally, the provincial government’s efforts to accelerate community-based mangrove rehabilitation and research were deemed instrumental in promoting sustainable coastal development and boosting local economies.
In his speech, Tito Karnavian stated that the award represents national recognition for regional leaders who have demonstrated achievements and innovation in marine and fisheries affairs.
“The selection process was rigorous and lengthy, involving a committee with representatives from the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and other stakeholders. Many names were nominated, but after administrative screening, field verification, and clarification, only three governors were selected, including two who are currently in office,” Tito said in a written statement on Monday, 1 June 2026.
Tito also praised regional leaders for introducing innovative approaches in marine and fisheries management.
“I am delighted that this award recognises the achievements of regional leaders who have pioneered innovations. Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago nation, with approximately 65 per cent of its territory covered by water. Therefore, developing the marine and fisheries sector is crucial,” he said.
He expressed hope that the award would motivate other regional leaders to continue innovating in developing marine and fisheries potential from upstream to downstream.
Meanwhile, Herman Deru expressed gratitude for the award conferred by the President through the Minister of Home Affairs.
“Alhamdulillah, we are grateful that our fieldwork has been recognised and appreciated comprehensively. This award is a source of pride for the people of South Sumatra,” he said.
According to Herman Deru, one of the key programmes under review was the consistent mangrove rehabilitation initiative launched in 2021. The programme not only aims to prevent coastal erosion but also to maintain coastal ecosystem balance.
“Through mangrove rehabilitation, we not only prevent coastal erosion but also restore habitats for various fish species that were previously scarce. Now, fish consumed by local communities and those with export value are reappearing. This is an indicator that our programme is successful,” he explained.
Herman Deru added that the evaluation process for the programme spanned four years. The current results are the outcome of collective efforts from government, communities, and other stakeholders.
“On behalf of the South Sumatra Provincial Government, I thank the Minister of Home Affairs and all parties who have shown trust and appreciation for South Sumatra. This award will motivate us to continue preserving the environment and enhancing community welfare,” he concluded.