Spirit of Innovation in Balangan Regency Aligns with National Strategic Programmes

In his first year of a second term leading Balangan Regency, Regent Abdul Hadi has achieved a number of governance and public service indicators. In 2025, the Public Service Index earned an A rating (Prime Service) with a score of 4.57.

“The best in South Kalimantan for maladministration assessment in public services with a score of 87.13, as well as the best in the Regional Financial Management Index,” said Regent Abdul Hadi.

Under his leadership, Balangan Regency’s Human Development Index (HDI) rose from 73.83 to 74.78, whilst the poverty rate fell from 4.87 in 2024 to 4.64 in 2025. “What we have done is package our programmes in the form of innovations, so that the people of Balangan Regency, particularly in public services, are truly given the best service by the regional government,” he said.

Regent Abdul Hadi explained that one of his innovations for economic growth is the Sanggam Babungas Sanggam Bakabun (Bahutang Kada Babunga) programme. This provides zero-interest credit financing with no administrative fees to assist micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) operators. The flagship Balangan Regency programme is run in partnership with Bank Kalsel.

“This innovation only exists in Balangan Regency. Through this programme we provide assistance to MSMEs,” he said. The funding comes not from the regional budget but from Bank Kalsel’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions.

Another CSR-funded programme is the Kartu Balangan Pintar, which provides educational cost assistance for underprivileged primary and secondary school pupils. The programme, aimed at preventing school dropouts, supplies school equipment such as bags, stationery and uniforms.

Regent Abdul Hadi has also aligned his policies with President Prabowo Subianto’s National Strategic Programmes (PSN). For instance, in tackling extreme poverty and reducing stunting, the regent has implemented housing renovation programmes, aid distribution and training initiatives.

“We also manage inflation control through affordable markets down to the village level, ensuring inflation remains well managed,” he said. “We always synchronise central government programmes with Balangan Regency’s regional government programmes.”

In human resource development, Balangan Regency runs the Seribu Sarjana (One Thousand Graduates) programme as well as competency and vocational-based job training to reduce open unemployment in the regency. This year, over 4,000 students have benefited from the Seribu Sarjana programme.

These achievements have not come without challenges. Regent Abdul Hadi has faced resistance from community members who are less than enthusiastic about government programmes. “There are still those who ask whether the regional government can provide employment if their children go to university,” he said. “But our thinking is that if children study through to degree level, their mindset will differ, and with their knowledge they can create employment by becoming entrepreneurs.”

Gradually, the community has come to understand and accept the various government programmes. Regent Abdul Hadi has called on all residents of Balangan Regency to unite in purpose and stride together towards a more advanced and prosperous regency. “So that we can stand on equal footing with other regencies and cities in South Kalimantan,” he said.

Thanks to Regent Abdul Hadi’s wide-ranging innovations, Balangan Regency received the Most Innovative Regency award with the Highest National Regional Innovation Index (IID) at the 2025 Innovative Government Award (IGA) from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The award confirms Balangan Regency’s position as a model for regional innovation and its dominance at the Kalimantan-Sulawesi regional level.