IPM Increase Trend In Cilegon, Sustainable City Development Success Indicator

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Cilegon, Cilegon City has been able to achieve a significant increase in the Human Development Index (HDI) in recent years. In 2024 the figure was recorded at 78.83, up 0.59 points or 0.75 percent compared to the previous year. This achievement is a clear evidence of the success of urban development which focuses on increasing the education, health and economic sectors.

This was said by the Mayor of Cilegon, Helldy Agustian, on Car Free Day (CFD) Cilegon, Sunday, January 26. The event, which took place between 06:00 to 11:00 WIB, is not only a means of recreation and sports, but also supports the local economy by providing space for small business actors to market their products.

According to Helldy, this success in increasing the HDI consistently becomes more meaningful, given the great challenges faced during the four years of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite being hit by the global crisis, the City of Cilegon managed to maintain the wheels of development with innovation and a strong commitment from all parties.

Helldy has initiated various strategic programs to improve the welfare of citizens and strengthen the foundations of urban development.

"The pandemic is not a barrier, but a challenge that spurs us to continue to innovate and adapt to ensure Cilegon continues to advance," he said, in a written statement, Sunday, January 26.

As a committed leader, Helldy Agustian has initiated various strategic initiatives, has also implemented various programs to improve the welfare of the community.

Here are some of the initiatives that have been and will be implemented:

Peluang Besar Barangan Movement (BABS)

As the General Secretary of the Regency/City Cares for Sanitation (AKKOPSI) Alliance, Helldy Agustian attended the declaration of Stop BABS in Biak Numfor Regency, Papua. He appreciated the achievement of Biak Numfor who succeeded in implementing the Stop BABS movement by 100 percent and invited other regencies/cities in Papua to follow in this footsteps.

In Gerem Village, Grogol District, Cilegon City Government cooperates with industry and other elements of society in implementing Community-Based Total Sanitation Pillars (STBM). This effort includes the fulfillment of access to clean water and sanitation feasible for the community as well as accelerating the reduction in stunting rates.

In his capacity as General Secretary of AKKOPSI, Helldy Agustian inaugurated a safe drinking water supply program that can be directly drunk in Southeast Minahasa and Biak Numfor Regencies. This program aims to increase public access to healthy and safe drinking water.

Education: Strong Future Foundation

The Cilegon City Government also makes education the main pillar of development. Through programs such as the construction of the New School Unit (USB), scholarships for the Smart Indonesia Program (PIP), and teacher training, the number of school participation continues to increase.

Not only PIP, the Cilegon City Government focuses on building educational infrastructure by building four new State Junior High School buildings, providing full scholarships to undergraduate levels, improving classrooms, and providing free Student Work Sheets (LKS).

"Education is a long-term investment that we prioritize to ensure a better future for the younger generation," said Head of the Cilegon City Education and Culture Office, Dra. Hj. Heni Anita Susila, M.Pd.

Health: Improve Services For All

With the construction of new health facilities and a healthy living campaign, the life expectancy in Cilegon continues to increase. The head of the Cilegon City Health Office is drg. Hj. Ratih Purnamasari, MKM stated, "We ensure access to quality health services is available to all citizens."

In addition, the people of Cilegon can access health services only by showing a Identity Card (KTP). For this effort, Cilegon has received the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) award twice.

Economy: City Progress Mobilizing Machine

In the economic sector, Cilegon has succeeded in attracting large investments and empowering MSMEs, which are now one of the pillars of the city's economy. "Cilegon's economic growth reflects our great potential, and we will continue to support it through various pro-people policies," said the Head of the Cilegon City Cooperatives and SMEs Office, Drs. Didin S. Maulana.

The City Government (Pemkot) of Cilegon plans to inaugurate the Center for Small and Medium Industries (IKM) and the Regional National Crafts Council (Dekranasda) on Jalan Lingkar Selatan. This building, which was previously the office of the Cilegon District Attorney, has been renovated to become the center of MSMEs and the Dekranasda office of Cilegon City.

In addition, the Cilegon City Government has launched a Trust Financing program that offers interest-free capital loans of up to IDR 25 million (micro financing), as well as facilitates the management of Business Identification Numbers (NIB), Intellectual Property Rights (HAKI), and free halal certification.

As a leading industrial city in Banten, Cilegon is not only focused on economic growth, but also on inclusive sustainable development.

"This achievement is the result of hard work together. We will continue to innovate and collaborate to ensure Cilegon becomes a city that is livable and full of opportunities," concluded Helldy Mayor Agustian.