The Batam Government (Pemko Batam) has been nominated for the 2024 Regional Development Award (PPD) by the Indonesian Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas). This nomination highlights Batam’s commitment to innovative and sustainable urban planning.
Under the leadership of Batam Secretary, Jefridin, the nomination underscores Batam’s progress toward becoming a smart city. The city’s innovative use of technology, particularly the Fuel Card 5.0 system, stands as a testament to its forward-thinking governance.
The nomination process involves two stages: Technical Document Evaluation and Interviews and Verification, with Batam scheduled for evaluation on March 18, 2024. This rigorous process will assess Batam’s developmental achievements and future potential.
Stakeholders outside the Regional Development Planning Agency are being mobilized to prepare presentations for the assessment team, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of Batam’s urban development strategies.
A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) will be conducted as part of the evaluation, involving representatives from various sectors of the community, including local government, marginalized groups, media, and academia, to gather diverse perspectives on Batam’s development.
Batam’s fuel card initiative, which has significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of solar fuel distribution control, will be a key component of the city’s evaluation. This innovation has previously earned Batam the Innovative Government Award from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
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The PPD nomination recognizes cities that exhibit exceptional growth and innovation in urban planning and sustainability. Batam’s inclusion among the nominees places it at the forefront of regional development in Indonesia.
Batam’s nomination for the 2024 Regional Development Award signifies the city’s emergence as a model of innovative urban planning in the region. This recognition may encourage further investment and tourism, enhancing Batam’s economic and cultural ties with Singapore and beyond.
The Batam Government’s nomination for the 2024 Regional Development Award by Bappenas reflects its successful implementation of smart city initiatives, such as the Fuel Card 5.0 system. This acknowledgment positions Batam as a leader in regional development, showcasing its commitment to innovation and sustainability in urban planning.
Source: Info Publik, Media Center (2024)
