West Kalimantan Prioritizes Severely Damaged Roads to Maintain Regional Connectivity

Ria Sartika    Monday, March 30, 2026    Comment   

West Kalimantan Prioritizes Severely Damaged Roads to Maintain Regional Connectivity

West Kalimantan prioritizes repairing severely damaged roads to maintain regional connectivity and economic distribution despite limited budget capacity.

Pontianak – The West Kalimantan Provincial Government (Pemprov Kalbar) has reaffirmed that improving provincial road infrastructure remains a top priority, despite ongoing budget constraints.

Governor of West Kalimantan, Ria Norsan, emphasized that the current focus is on handling severely damaged road sections to ensure they remain functional.

“Handling provincial roads remains a priority. We are focusing on heavily damaged road sections so they can still be used and regional connectivity is maintained,” Norsan said in Pontianak on Sunday.

Focus on Mobility and Economic Distribution

This policy is aimed at maintaining smooth community mobility and the distribution of goods across regions. Under current fiscal efficiency measures, the provincial government is implementing gradual and well-planned road improvements.

The approach prioritizes functional repairs rather than immediate permanent reconstruction.

“We understand the public’s expectations for permanent repairs. However, under current budget efficiency, improvements are carried out gradually. The key is ensuring roads remain usable,” he explained.

2025 Infrastructure Program Implementation

As a concrete step, the West Kalimantan Provincial Government has:

• Reactivated road and bridge maintenance units

• Upgraded road construction covering 40.30 kilometers

• Improved 22 road segments across multiple districts/cities in the 2025 fiscal year

Additionally, the government is strengthening supporting infrastructure through:

• Irrigation networks covering 9,172 hectares

• Drainage normalization spanning 1,035 kilometers

These efforts aim to support agricultural productivity and strengthen regional food security.

Infrastructure Challenges: Weather to Heavy Loads

Norsan acknowledged that infrastructure development in West Kalimantan faces several challenges, including:

• High rainfall

• Complex geographical conditions

• Heavy vehicle loads

These factors accelerate road damage, requiring adaptive and sustainable maintenance strategies.

Gradual Commitment and Public Participation

Despite limitations, the provincial government remains committed to improving road quality gradually, in line with regional financial capacity.

Public participation is also encouraged as part of development oversight. “We appreciate public feedback. Community support is essential to ensure infrastructure development runs optimally,” Norsan added.

Looking ahead, the government expects infrastructure improvements to enhance:

• Road safety

• Travel comfort

• Regional connectivity

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Why aren’t roads being permanently repaired yet?
Due to budget limitations, the government prioritizes functional repairs to keep roads accessible.

2. How many roads will be improved in 2025?
Around 40.30 kilometers across 22 road segments.

3. What is the main focus of the infrastructure policy?
Maintaining regional connectivity and ensuring smooth economic distribution.

4. What are the main challenges?
High rainfall, difficult terrain, and heavy vehicle loads.

5. Can the public participate in monitoring?
Yes, the government encourages public feedback and oversight.

West Kalimantan Governor Reveals 24 National Awards Achieved in 2025

Ria Sartika    Friday, March 27, 2026    Comment   

West Kalimantan Governor Reveals 24 National Awards Achieved in 2025

West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan reveals 24 national awards in 2025, highlighting strong collaboration between local government and DPRD.

Pontianak — West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan revealed that the provincial government secured 24 national-level awards throughout 2025, highlighting the success of strong collaboration between the local government and the regional legislature.

The statement was delivered during the presentation of the 2025 Government Accountability Report (LKPJ) at a plenary session of the West Kalimantan Regional House of Representatives in Pontianak on Friday.

According to Norsan, the achievement reflects collective efforts involving local government, the DPRD, regional leadership coordination forum (Forkopimda), and the wider community.

“These achievements are the result of joint efforts to establish accountable and transparent governance,” he said.

List of Key Achievements

Norsan outlined several major recognitions received by the province, including:

• Excellent Public Service Index from the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform

• Third place nationally in the Monitoring Center for Prevention (MCP) by the Corruption Eradication Commission

• Five-star Bureaucratic Reform Index, the highest in Kalimantan

• Unqualified Opinion (WTP) from the Audit Board of Indonesia

• Informative Public Agency status and third place nationally in Public Information Disclosure Index

These recognitions demonstrate the provincial government’s commitment to improving public services, transparency, and development effectiveness across sectors.

Collaboration as the Key Driver

Norsan emphasized that regional development success heavily depends on strong collaboration between the executive branch and the DPRD, supported by civil servants and local institutions.

He added that this commitment is reflected in continuous improvements in public services, infrastructure development, and strengthening of social and economic sectors.

Accountability and Development Alignment

During the session, Norsan also explained that the LKPJ submission is mandated by law as a form of accountability for regional governance.

He noted that regional development planning aligns with national policies, referring to:

• Law No. 25 of 2004

• Law No. 23 of 2014

The West Kalimantan Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD) 2025–2029 is aligned with the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) to support national priority programs.

At the end of his address, Norsan expressed hope for continued input and recommendations from the DPRD to further enhance government performance.

“We expect constructive feedback from the DPRD to strengthen public services and ensure development benefits are truly felt by the people,” he said.

FAQ

1. How many awards did West Kalimantan receive in 2025?
A total of 24 national-level awards.

2. What do these achievements represent?
They reflect improvements in public service, transparency, and governance quality.

3. Who presented the 2025 LKPJ?
Governor Ria Norsan.

4. What is LKPJ?
It is an annual accountability report presented by regional leaders.

5. What is the government’s main focus moving forward?
Enhancing public services and ensuring development benefits reach the community.

Ria Norsan Revives Saprahan Tradition During 2026 Eid In West Kalimantan

Ria Sartika    Monday, March 23, 2026    Comment   

Ria Norsan Revives Saprahan Tradition During 2026 Eid In West Kalimantan

Ria Norsan hosts Saprahan tradition at 2026 Eid open house in West Kalimantan, highlighting unity, culture, and community togetherness.

Pontianak, West Kalimantan — The 2026 Eid celebration in West Kalimantan felt extra special this year. Governor Ria Norsan hosted an open house featuring the traditional Saprahan dining ritual at the Governor’s official residence.

This wasn’t just your typical gathering. The Saprahan tradition turned the event into a meaningful moment of connection between the government and the community. Even in today’s fast-moving modern world, this cultural practice remains a strong symbol of local identity.

“Saprahan is a traditional Malay practice that plays a key role in Eid gatherings. It also reflects our commitment to preserving local wisdom,” Ria Norsan said in Pontianak on Monday.

Sitting Together, No Barriers

One thing that stood out—there were no barriers between leaders and citizens. The governor and his family sat cross-legged alongside residents, officials, religious leaders, and community figures.

Everyone shared meals in small groups of about six people, enjoying the same dishes together. The vibe was relaxed, equal, and genuinely warm.

“In Saprahan, there are no boundaries. Everyone sits together and shares the same blessings,” he added.

More Than Tradition—It’s a Way of Life

Saprahan isn’t just about food—it carries deeper meaning. It reflects values like togetherness, mutual respect, and cooperation.

According to Ria Norsan, if these values are practiced daily, they can help build a more harmonious and progressive society.

“If we carry this spirit into our daily lives, West Kalimantan will continue to grow stronger and more united,” he said.

Traditional Dishes Complete the Experience

Of course, no Saprahan is complete without traditional dishes. Guests enjoyed a variety of local favorites, including:

• Pineapple pacri (a signature West Kalimantan dish)

• Ketupat patlau

• Beef rendang

• Chicken opor

• Dalca vegetable curry

All dishes were shared communally, making the experience even more intimate and meaningful.

Open House Open to Everyone

Another highlight—this open house ran for two days and was open to the public without any formal invitation. Anyone could come by, meet the governor, and celebrate together.

Residents took the opportunity to shake hands, chat casually, and take photos with the governor and his family in a warm and festive Eid atmosphere.

FAQ

1. What is Saprahan?
Saprahan is a traditional Malay communal dining practice where people sit on the floor and share food together.

2. Why is it important?
It promotes values like equality, togetherness, and mutual respect.

3. Who can participate?
Everyone—from government officials to ordinary citizens.

4. Where is it usually held?
At cultural or official events, including Eid open houses.

5. What’s the purpose of preserving it?
To keep local traditions alive and strengthen community bonds.

West Kalimantan Governor Launches Ramadan Cheap Market to Curb Food Inflation and Support Families

Saputra Berry    Monday, March 02, 2026    Comment   

West Kalimantan Governor Launches Ramadan Cheap Market to Curb Food Inflation and Support Families

West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan launches Ramadan Cheap Market in Pontianak to curb food inflation, stabilize prices, and boost household purchasing power amid rising staple costs.

PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan – February 25, 2026. Ria Norsan, Governor of West Kalimantan, officially opened a Ramadan Cheap Market program at the courtyard of Masjid Al-Muawwanah on Wednesday, aiming to stabilize food prices and protect household purchasing power during the holy month.

The initiative was introduced as a strategic response by the provincial government to rising prices of essential food commodities, which have contributed to regional inflation in recent weeks. By offering staple goods below prevailing market prices, the program seeks to ease the financial burden on families observing Ramadan.

Food Price Surge Drives Inflation Concerns

West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan launches Ramadan Cheap Market in Pontianak to curb food inflation, stabilize prices, and boost household purchasing power amid rising staple costs.

Governor Ria Norsan explained that the recent inflationary pressure has been largely fueled by sharp increases in the prices of key kitchen staples, particularly shallots and chili peppers. These ingredients are widely used in daily cooking across Indonesia, making their price spikes especially impactful for low- and middle-income households.

“Through this Cheap Market program, we hope to strengthen people’s purchasing power by providing affordable food supplies,” the governor said during the opening ceremony.

According to local officials, the rise in food prices has been felt across traditional markets, affecting both consumers and small vendors. The Ramadan Cheap Market is designed to create short-term price stability while ensuring that supply chains remain sufficient throughout the fasting month.

Affordable Food Access During Ramadan

West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan launches Ramadan Cheap Market in Pontianak to curb food inflation, stabilize prices, and boost household purchasing power amid rising staple costs.

Beyond economic stabilization, the initiative carries strong social significance. Ramadan is a time of reflection, generosity, and solidarity, and the provincial government wants this program to reflect those values.

In addition to helping control inflation, the Cheap Market aims to ensure that basic food items remain accessible to all layers of society. Families can purchase staple goods at reduced prices, helping them manage daily expenses such as sahur and iftar meals without sacrificing nutrition or quality.

The governor also encouraged residents to maintain unity and use the momentum of Ramadan to strengthen community ties.

“This program is not only about economic relief but also about sharing and supporting one another during a blessed month,” she added.

Supporting Household Economic Resilience

West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan launches Ramadan Cheap Market in Pontianak to curb food inflation, stabilize prices, and boost household purchasing power amid rising staple costs.

The Ramadan Cheap Market program is expected to ease household financial pressures, especially for families whose incomes are stretched by higher living costs. By directly intervening in the retail distribution of staple goods, the provincial government hopes to reduce speculative price increases and stabilize the regional economy.

Officials emphasized that maintaining affordable food availability is critical to preventing further inflation spikes. The government will continue monitoring market conditions and coordinating with suppliers and distributors to ensure consistent stock levels.

For many residents, the initiative represents timely support at a moment when food price volatility could otherwise disrupt daily life during Ramadan.

West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan launches Ramadan Cheap Market in Pontianak to curb food inflation, stabilize prices, and boost household purchasing power amid rising staple costs.

FAQ

1. What is the Ramadan Cheap Market program?
It is a government-led initiative that sells staple food items below market prices to help stabilize inflation and support household purchasing power during Ramadan.

2. Why was the program launched?
The program was introduced in response to rising prices of key commodities such as shallots and chili peppers, which have contributed to regional inflation.

3. Where was the program officially opened?
The launch took place at the courtyard of Masjid Al-Muawwanah in Pontianak, West Kalimantan.

4. Who benefits from the Cheap Market?
Low- and middle-income families, as well as the broader community, benefit from more affordable access to essential food supplies.

5. Will similar programs continue in the future?
Provincial authorities indicated they will continue monitoring inflation and may implement similar measures if needed to maintain price stability.