Gorontalo City, Kominfotik – Gorontalo Governor Gusnar Ismail delivered a reflection on the achievements of regional development during the Plenary Session for the 25th Anniversary of Gorontalo Province, Friday (5/12/2025). He emphasized this moment as a commitment to strengthening the direction of regional development.
The 25-year journey of development was described as full of challenges yet showing significant progress. In the financial sector, the Regional Budget (APBD) increased from Rp52.5 billion in 2001 to Rp1.75 trillion in 2025.
In the sustainable development sector, Gorontalo was recognized for successfully managing the SDGs agenda, focusing on stunting, education, food security, and poverty alleviation. The province ranked among the top five in the Indonesia’s SDGs Action Awards 2025.
”The journey over 25 years has gone through various challenges that were not easy. At the beginning of the development journey, our development capital was not large, but with the determination and spirit to build, praise God, we have realized proud achievements,” said Gusnar.
The Human Development Index (HDI) rose from 64.1 when the province was first established to 72.01 in 2024. This increase was driven by advancements in health, education, and the community’s economy.
”The percentage of the poor population in Gorontalo Province from 2018 to 2023 was around 15 percent, but thankfully, it decreased to 13.78 percent in 2024, and further decreased to 13.24 percent in 2025,” revealed Gusnar.
Investment realization reached Rp4.05 trillion, placing Gorontalo in the seventh position nationally. Gusnar stated that this condition shows the regional economy is getting stronger.
In the infrastructure sector, the development of GORR (Gorontalo Outer Ring Road) up to electricity networks and renewable energy continues to be expanded. The equalization of basic services is said to encourage economic activity down to rural areas.
”Through this 25th Anniversary of Gorontalo Province moment, on behalf of the Gorontalo Provincial government, I invite all of us to always adhere to the fundamental values of the Gorontalo people: Ta Tolongi, Ta Huliya, Ta Modelo, meaning mutual help, mutual protection/care, and mutual strengthening,” said Gusnar.
The bureaucratic reform index increased from 69.68 to 77.73 in 2024. The quality of public services also improved, with an index of 4.24.
Digital transformation is also growing through the increase in the SPBE (Electronic-Based Government System) index from 1.48 to 4.13. Gorontalo also won three RRI Awards for contributions in news, MSMEs, and public services.
In the health sector, priority services at Hasri Ainun Habibie Regional General Hospital (RSUD) continue to be strengthened, including cancer treatment facilities. The stunting rate dropped from 34 percent in 2018 to 23.8 percent in 2024.
Gusnar said that the anniversary commemoration is not just about remembering history but reaffirming the spirit of collaboration. This year’s theme, “Building Gorontalo for Advanced Indonesia,” invites everyone to preserve the legacy of the province’s founders with solidarity, collaboration, and shared commitment.
Reporter: Mila
Editor: Isam
Translated by: Fera
