DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - The Government of Deli Serdang Regency has achieved another significant milestone by advancing to the second stage of the 2026 Regional Development Award (Penghargaan Pembangunan Daerah/PPD 2026). In this phase, the Ministry of National Development Planning of the Republic of Indonesia (Kementerian PPN/Bappenas) conducted interviews and field verification to assess the region's development performance. The evaluation covered the quality of planning documents, planning processes, and the implementation of key development programs. The assessment was held at the Cendana Hall on Monday, July 6, 2026.
The program "Demi Pemula Sepeda Bagus" (Deli Serdang Mewujudkan Impian Pendidikan Murah dan Berkualitas, Sekolah Peduli Keluarga dan Anak Berkebutuhan Khusus) stands out as one of the region's key innovations, placing Deli Serdang among the top five regencies out of 416 across Indonesia. The initiative is recognized as a practical solution for
inclusive education services, particularly for children with special needs.
Bappenas Examines Innovation and Social Impact
The evaluation team consisted of Senior Development Planner at the Ministry of PPN/Bappenas, Dr. Taufik Hanafi, and Dr. Himawan Hariyoga Joyokusumo. Independent assessment was also provided by Professor of Public Policy Governance at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Prof. Gabriel Lele, while Prof. Benedictus Raksaka Mahi monitored the process virtually.
During the interviews, the team reviewed both the program's implementation and its impact on the community, particularly for Children with Special Needs (Anak Berkebutuhan Khusus/ABK) in Deli Serdang Regency.
PROGRAM PRESENTATION: Deli Serdang Regent
Asri Ludin Tambunan presenting the results of the "Demi Pemula Sepeda Bagus" program to the
Bappenas evaluation team. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Transformation of Inclusive Education Services
Deli Serdang Regent
Asri Ludin Tambunan, also known as Aci, explained that the program was initiated in response to the limited access to education previously experienced by children with disabilities. Of the 1,603 registered
ABK, 718 children were previously not adequately served.
Through a cross-sectoral approach, education, health, and care services were integrated via Community Learning Centers (PKBM), community health centers (Puskesmas), hospitals, village administrations, and the Family Welfare Movement (PKK).
The results indicate substantial progress, with the number of underserved children dropping to 101. Meanwhile, 617 children across 23 institutions in 18 districts have now received assistance.
Increasing Independence Among Children
The level of independence among children with special needs has also improved significantly. Of 284 children under care, those classified as independent increased from 58 to 190.
Regent Aci emphasized that the program's impact extends beyond education and contributes directly to social welfare.
"The benefits of this program are evident on multiple levels. Children are becoming more independent, parents are gaining better caregiving skills, health and therapy services are provided free of charge, and some parents and children are now actively contributing to economic development, helping reduce unemployment and poverty," he said.
DIALOGUE WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT: The Bappenas and UGM evaluation team in dialogue with regional officials and program beneficiaries during on-site verification. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Economic and Social Impact
The North Sumatra Provincial Government has expressed support for the continuation of the program. The initiative is currently being registered for Intellectual Property Rights (HKI) and is being promoted through business matching with the private sector as well as CSR programs to enable replication in other regions.
The program has already been adopted elsewhere, including by the Ministry of Social Affairs at Sentra Budi Perkasa in Palembang, the Education Office of Tanjung Balai City, and the Education Office of Bengkalis Regency.
Stronger Macroeconomic Performance
During the verification process, the national evaluation team also highlighted macroeconomic indicators, including the open unemployment rate (TPT), which declined from 9.13 in 2021 to 7.69 in 2025.
The poverty rate also fell from 4.01 percent to 3.11 percent over the same period, below the averages of North Sumatra and Indonesia. Income inequality remained relatively stable with a Gini ratio of 0.271.
The Human Development Index (IPM) reached 78.29, with life expectancy recorded at 74.02 years. Average years of schooling stood at 10.50 years, while expected years of schooling reached 13.46 years. Economic growth in 2025 was recorded at 4.55 percent, with Deli Serdang contributing 13.10 percent to the regional GDP, making it the second-largest contributor in
North Sumatra.
Evaluation as a Tool for Sustainable Development
Regent Asri Ludin emphasized that the assessment is not merely aimed at achieving an award, but serves as an instrument for continuous
regional development improvement.
"We hope for the best possible result. However, more importantly, this process serves as an evaluation tool so that development in Deli Serdang can continue to improve," he said.
A representative from the national evaluation team, Taufik Hanafi, praised the region's achievements and noted its potential for recognition in other national programs, including the SDGs Awards by
Bappenas.
The two-day assessment and verification process on July 6–7, 2026, involved government officials, district leaders, community representatives, and program beneficiaries to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of real impacts. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Edi Saputra | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala