Tabalong wins top award for access to education services

Tabalong regency in South Kalimantan has won the top award for residents’ access to education services at the 2026 Regional Kalimantan Outstanding Local Government Awards.

The award was presented in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on Thursday, September 3, during the second batch of the regional awards program. Hulu Sungai Tengah, also in South Kalimantan, took second place, while Central Kalimantan’s Barito Selatan regency ranked third.

The winning category assesses local government efforts to distribute teachers and learning facilities, improve literacy and numeracy, and encourage public participation to build an adaptable workforce. Tabalong received a 2 billion rupiah award. The second-place winner received 1.5 billion rupiah, while the third-place winner received 1 billion rupiah.

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto presented the awards. The program was organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs, with the Institute of Domestic Governance as its implementing institution. It also evaluates local governments on the implementation of 3 million homes, waste and environmental management, and access to and the quality of health services.