Banjarbaru wins the best award for poverty and stunting reduction in Kalimantan

Banjarbaru, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Mayor of Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, Erna Lisa Halaby received the award for the best poverty and stunting reduction in Kalimantan at the 2026 Regional Government Performance Appreciation Awards in Balikpapan City, Tuesday (May 5, 2026).

Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian and Tempo's President Director handed over the award in recognition of Banjarbaru City Government's performance.

"Banjarbaru is considered the most prominent in integrating poverty alleviation programs with stunting reduction acceleration in Kalimantan and therefore deserves the award," said Tito.

The Minister stated the event serves as a rigorous indicator-based performance evaluation tool, with assessment covering cross-sector convergence, service delivery down to urban village level, intervention effectiveness, and the rate of decline in key indicators.

Related news: Banjarbaru records lowest stunting in South Kalimantan

He also emphasized the importance of building climate of healthy competition among regions and regional innovations also plays role to which extent the regional governments are able to provide adaptive solution that have a real impact on the community.

"As regional head elected by the people, the best method is to create a competitive climate that foster the best performance and innovation," said Tito to the attending regional heads.

A total 24 regional governments from various categories received awards at the forum. In addition to recognition, the central government also provided tangible support in the form of fiscal incentives.

Mayor Lisa Halaby said the award belongs to the entire people of Banjarbaru and the city government ready to continue working to ensure that every child grow healthy annd every family experiences improved well-being.

"The award is not the end, but rather reinforce our commitment to delivering truly meaningful and sustainable development," said Lisa in a statement through the Banjarbaru Communication and Informatics Office Media Center.