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| West Kalimantan Deputy Governor Slams Resource Exploitation Urges Real Action for Local Welfare. |
The 18th anniversary of Kubu Raya wasn’t just a celebration—it was a bold call for justice. During the main ceremony on July 17, 2025, West Kalimantan’s Deputy Governor Krisantus Kurniawan didn’t hold back. Standing before thousands, he made it crystal clear: Kalimantan is not a playground for investors to strip natural resources while locals stay poor.
He was fired up. “If you’re just here to take palm oil and mine our land while our people remain poor, don’t expect me to stay quiet,” he said firmly. “West Kalimantan isn’t here to be exploited. Our resources must lead to real prosperity for our communities.”
Krisantus wasn’t just throwing shade. He laid down some serious expectations—corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs need to be real, not just empty words. Companies must open up real job opportunities for locals, not just manual labor, but skilled positions too. If someone’s trained and ready, they deserve a shot.
This wasn’t just a political speech—it was personal. Krisantus gave a shout-out to the people of Kubu Raya, praising the progress they’ve made in just 18 years. He compared the regency’s age to a young adult starting college—full of potential and ready to succeed. “Kubu Raya is a future star. Under Bupati Sujiwo’s leadership, I’m confident this region’s gonna graduate with honors,” he said, met with big cheers from the crowd.
And he didn’t stop there. Krisantus gave props to Sujiwo and his deputy Sukiryanto for being hands-on leaders. He said they’re rarely seen at provincial meetings—not because they’re slacking, but because they’re always out in the field with the people. Sometimes they even have to cross rivers and seas to reach remote communities.
He acknowledged the geographical challenges of Kubu Raya, where not every area is connected by road. That’s why he stressed the need for strong teamwork between local, provincial, and national governments. Development needs unity—it’s not a one-man show.
Krisantus also didn’t shy away from tackling a sensitive issue—religious intolerance. He brought up a recent incident where a neighborhood group reportedly blocked the construction of a house of worship in Desa Kapur. “This has to stop,” he said. “No one should ever be denied the right to worship. We don’t tolerate intolerance in West Kalimantan. Peace and diversity are the backbone of our future.”
He made another powerful point: no development or investment can happen without safety. “If people don’t feel safe, nothing moves. That’s why I’ve always been clear—there’s zero tolerance for any group that sparks conflict,” he declared.
Responding to the Deputy Governor’s remarks, Bupati Sujiwo confirmed that he’d already acted on the Desa Kapur situation. “As soon as I got the letter, I told our regional secretary to call in the sub-district head, village leader, and local reps for a full clarification. There’s no place for anti-tolerance in Kubu Raya,” Sujiwo stated.
He also used the moment to thank the founding leaders of Kubu Raya and the local community for everything they’ve done. “This district didn’t get here because of government alone. It’s the people—your energy, your spirit—that made it possible,” he said.
Sujiwo then called on all civil servants in the region to serve with heart and give their best for the community. He ended with a message of collaboration: “Kubu Raya can’t move forward alone. We need the support of the province and national government. Only through teamwork can we bring our strategic programs to life.”
After the ceremony, Krisantus joined a friendly gathering with Kubu Raya officials, security forces, and other key stakeholders—wrapping up a day that was way more than just another birthday celebration. It was a statement, a vision, and a commitment to a better, fairer future for Kubu Raya and West Kalimantan.