Kotabaru Regent wins 2026 Antasari Award for sustainable education

Kotabaru, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Regent of Kotabaru, South Kalimantan, H Muhammad Rusli was named the Inspirational Regional Head in Education and Sustainable Development as he won the 2026 Antasari Award.

Antasari Award is a prestigious award event held by Antasari State Islamic University (UIN Antasari) Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan.

Regional Secretary of South Kalimantan Province H Muhammad Syarifuddin stated that Antasari Award is a form of honor and a mandate for the recipients to continuously improve their performance, maintain integrity, and provide a transparent and community-oriented public services.

"The provincial government's commitment is to maintaining sustainable development, includes the completion of Kotabaru–Tanah Bumbu bridge targeted for 2028, the construction of Riam Kiwa Dam for flood control, and strengthening regional food, which has recorded a rice production surplus," he said at the award ceremony in Banjarmasin on Wednesday.

The 2026 Antasari Award is a recognition event for regional leaders, government figures, academics, and stakeholders who are deemed to have made significant contributions to driving sustainable development in South Kalimantan.

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The award for Kotabaru Regent was received by acting Head of the Kotabaru Education and Culture Office Dr H Asriady Sulaiman.

He stated that the award recognized the Kotabaru Government's commitment to making education a top priority for regional development.

He informed that the regional leader's "Kotabaru Hebat" tagline is realized through various strategic programs in the education sector.

"This is a source of pride because the Kotabaru Regent's dedication and commitment to addressing the challenges of the education sector has received direct recognition from UIN Antasari, one of the leading universities in South Kalimantan," he said.

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Several regional heads received the 2026 Antasari Award, including the Governor of South Kalimantan, who was recognized as a visionary governor for regional sustainability.

Banjarbaru Mayor was recognized as the inspiring female regional head in the sustainable development ecosystem, Barito Kuala Regent as named a visioner leader in regional development, and Kotabaru Regent as an inspiring regional head in education and sustainable develpment.

In addtion to regional heads, the 2026 Antasari Award was also awarded to Chancellor of UIN Antasari Banjarmasin, speakers and members of South Kalimantan DPRD, academics, state-owned enterprises (BUMN) and regional-owned enterprises (BUMD), banking, as well as representatives of students and the South Kalimantan Student Executive Board (BEM).