Aceh’s Vehicle Tax Incentives Put Persons with Disabilities in the Driver’s Seat
Aceh is setting new standards in inclusive governance with the launch of integrated SAMSAT (One-stop Administration Services Office) services and vehicle tax incentives for persons with disabilities, supported by the SKALA program. Announced on 27 May 2025, the initiative reflects Aceh’s commitment to accessible public services and fiscal resilience while offering up to 50% vehicle tax reduction to persons with disabilities. These measures are expected to enhance mobility and reduce economic burdens on persons with disabilities, as well as align with broader efforts to embed Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) into local tax policy.
Laying the Foundation for Data-Informed Planning in North Kalimantan
On 27 May 2025, North Kalimantan launched the Kaltara Satu Data Platform and Sidara Cantik 2.0 to strengthen data-informed planning and inclusive development. As one of Indonesia’s newest provinces, Kaltara is aligning with national policies—Satu Data Indonesia and SDPDN—to ensure accurate, integrated, and accessible data supports more effective governance. Backed by over 1,900 verified datasets and strong collaboration between Bappeda, DKISP, BPS, and the SKALA Program, the initiative promotes transparency, interoperability, and evidence-based decision-making, particularly to include vulnerable groups in planning and budgeting processes.
SPM Awards 2025: Championing Local Innovation to Reach the Most Vulnerable
The SPM (Standar Pelayanan Minimal or Minimum Service Standards) Awards 2025, held in Jakarta by Indonesia’s Ministry of Home Affairs, spotlighted outstanding local government innovations in delivering basic services across six critical sectors: education, health, public works, housing, public safety, and social services. With 44 local governments achieving full compliance status, the awards recognized excellence despite fiscal constraints, showcasing examples from North Maluku, West Java, and Papua Barat. Supported by the SKALA program and aligned with Presidential Instruction No. 1/2025, the SPM Awards champion cross-sector collaboration, data-driven governance, and inclusive public service delivery to fulfill Indonesia’s commitment to upholding citizens’ rights and scale impactful local initiatives.
Building an Inclusive Future Through Knowledge Management in Papua Barat Daya
As one of Indonesia’s newest provinces, Papua Barat Daya is investing in inclusive development by strengthening its knowledge management systems. With support from Bappenas and the Australia–Indonesia Partnership Program SKALA, the province is establishing a Knowledge Management Center (KMC) to collect, share, and apply local knowledge for better policy decisions. By transforming data and experience into actionable insights, Papua Barat Daya is charting a path toward smarter governance and equitable public services.
From the Margins to the Mainstage: NTT’s Bold Step Toward Inclusive Development
East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is setting a new standard for inclusive development with the launch of MUSIK KEREN—Musyawarah Perencanaan Pembangunan Inklusif Kelompok Rentan. Officially anchored in Governor Regulation No. 2 of 2025 and supported by the SKALA Program, this groundbreaking forum ensures that the voices of women, persons with disabilities, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups are systematically integrated into NTT’s regional planning and budgeting. Unveiled during the 2026 Musrenbang, MUSIK KEREN has already collected over 200 grassroots proposals on education, health, social protection, economic access, and protection from violence. With strong backing from Bappenas and development partners, NTT is now a role model for equitable and participatory governance.
One Data Aceh: Improving Basic Services and Data-Driven Governance
The Aceh One Data Portal (satudata.acehprov.go.id) is a provincial initiative to strengthen data governance and enhance the delivery of basic services through an integrated data platform. Launched on 29 April 2025, the portal consolidates statistical and geospatial data from multiple government agencies to support evidence-based planning, improved inter-agency coordination, and transparent policymaking in Aceh. Aligned with national and provincial regulations, the platform features interactive dashboards, real-time datasets in key sectors such as health and education, and tools for policy analysis. Developed in collaboration with the SKALA Program and integrated with Indonesia’s national One Data system, the portal reflects Aceh’s commitment to accountable, inclusive, and data-informed development.
Ensuring Equal and Inclusive Development in North Kalimantan: The Mentari Kaltara Forum
The Mentari Kaltara Inclusive Dialogue Forum, led by the Government of North Kalimantan with support from the SKALA Program, marked a pivotal move toward inclusive and equitable development in the province. It brought together civil society groups that represent women, children, persons with disabilities, older persons, and indigenous communities, to participate in developing the regional long-term development, and the 2026 work plans. By aligning GEDSI principles with formal government processes and institutionalizing community input, North Kalimantan is setting a strong precedent for people-centered governance.
SKALA Steering Committee Meeting: Scaling Up Good Practices and Aligning with New Development Priorities
The SKALA Steering Committee Meeting, held on March 21, 2025, at Bappenas, reinforced the partnership between Indonesia and Australia in enhancing subnational governance and inclusive service delivery. SKALA focuses on public financial management, Minimum Service Standards (SPM), data use, and GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion). The meeting aligned SKALA’s priorities with Indonesia’s national development agenda under Presidential Regulation No. 12 of 2025. Key achievements since 2023 include improved data quality, better participation of vulnerable groups, and support for efficient budgeting. The Committee emphasized scaling up good practices and institutionalizing reforms, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to sustainable governance improvements.
International Women’s Day: Nurturing Women’s Leadership Begins at Home
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, SKALA convened a knowledge-sharing event focused on strengthening gender equality within families as a foundation for advancing women’s leadership in Indonesia. Representatives from Bappenas, the Gorontalo Provincial Government, and South-Central Timor shared insights on overcoming cultural and structural barriers, highlighting how family support, inclusive norms, and enabling public policies are critical to fostering women’s independence and leadership. The event reinforced Indonesia’s commitment to the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) and the Golden Indonesia 2045 (Indonesia Emas) vision, particularly in promoting quality families, gender equality, and increased female representation in decision-making at all levels of government and public service.
