The Vice Governor of Gorontalo, Idah Syahidah Rusli Habibie, has stressed the critical importance of transparency in development programs and the vital role of the media in communicating government performance to the public. These remarks were made while accompanying Governor Gusnar Ismail during the leadership meeting for the evaluation of the December 2025 budget absorption, held at the Governor’s Residence Hall on Thursday (1/8/2026).
The Vice Governor noted that she and Governor Gusnar will continue to be evaluated by the public over the next four years based on the achievement of the region’s development vision and mission. Consequently, every implemented program must not only provide tangible benefits but also be clearly communicated to the public.
”The Governor and I will be assessed by the community for the next four years. What we work on must be felt and known by the public,” Idah stated.
Focus on Human Resource Development
According to data presented by the Bureau of Development and Economic Control, there are approximately 6,600 activity packages with a total budget of IDR 546.8 billion. A significant portion of this budget is dedicated to human resource improvement, specifically:
Construction of facilities and infrastructure for Senior High Schools (SMA), Vocational Schools (SMK), and Special Education Schools (SLB).
Support for private educational institutions.
The Vice Governor observed that human resource development often receives less media exposure compared to other sectors, despite being a cornerstone of regional progress.
”No matter how small the budget value is, it must be publicized. This ensures the community knows the assistance comes from the Provincial Government and not other parties,” Idah continued.
Media as a Transformation Tool
The Vice Governor urged Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD) to stop ignoring the media. Instead, they should build strong communication lines and utilize the Department of Communication, Informatics, and Statistics (Kominfotik) and the Regional Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPID) to disseminate development information.
Governor Gusnar Ismail fully supported this directive, stating that starting in 2026, all OPDs will serve as spokespersons for the Governor and Vice Governor.
”What the OPDs do must be transformed for the public through the media. Just speak honestly. Do not be stingy with the media and do not hide information, because the Vice Governor and I remain ultimately responsible,” Gusnar asserted.
However, the Governor reminded officials to coordinate information through the communication team or the Governor’s spokesperson and the Kominfotik Department to ensure it follows journalistic standards and remains easily understandable for the public.
Reporter: Echin
Translated by Fera
