JAKARTA - Cilegon has recently celebrated significant strides in its Human Development Index (HDI), highlighting the city’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) Cilegon, the HDI has reached 78.83 for the year 2024, marking an increase of 0.59 points, or 0.75%, from the previous year. This growth is seen as evidence of successful urban development initiatives focusing on education, health, and economic empowerment.
Mayor Helldy Agustian, eloquent about these advancements, shared insights during the Car Free Day (CFD) event on Sunday, January 26. "The consistent improvement of our HDI is particularly significant considering the immense challenges faced during the four years due to the Covid-19 pandemic," he remarked. This event, held from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM, not only promotes community engagement and recreation but also creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products.
Despite the global economic downturn, Cilegon has maintained its developmental momentum, thanks to the strong commitment and innovative strategies employed by local officials. Agustian emphasized, "The pandemic was not merely an obstacle; it served as motivation for us to innovate and adapt to keep Cilegon moving forward." His leadership has catalyzed various initiatives focused on welfare enhancement and community well-being.
One significant project is the Stop Open Defecation (BABS) movement, which Agustian champions as Secretary-General of the Alliance of Caring Districts/Cities for Sanitation (AKKOPSI). He applauded Biak Numfor's successful implementation of this initiative, which achieved 100% compliance. The Cilegon administration is also actively working with local industries and communities to fulfill the community-based Total Sanitation Management principles, addressing access to clean water and sanitary facilities.
Education remains at the forefront of Cilegon's development strategy. The government has emphasized it as the bedrock for future prosperity, with projects like the establishment of new schools, the Indonesia Smart Program (PIP), and teacher training initiatives aimed at increasing school participation rates. Dra. Hj. Heni Anita Susila, M.Pd., Head of the Department of Education and Culture of Cilegon, stated, "Education is a long-term investment we prioritize to secure a brighter future for our youth." This commitment is illustrated through improvements to school infrastructure, including the establishment of new junior high schools and offering full scholarships up to the university level.
Health services are another pillar of Cilegon's human development strategy. Drg. Hj. Ratih Purnamasari, M.K.M, Cilegon's Health Department Head, asserted, "We are ensuring quality healthcare access for all citizens." The city has built new health facilities and launched campaigns promoting healthy living. Importantly, residents can access healthcare services simply by presenting their identity cards (KTP). Cilegon's efforts have not gone unnoticed; the city has twice received the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) award, highlighting its commitment to public health.
On the economic front, Cilegon has become attractive to substantial investments, bolstering local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are now recognized as significant drivers of the city's economic framework. Drs. Didin S. Maulana, Head of the Office of Cooperatives and SMEs, asserted, "Cilegon's economic growth reflects the vast potential we possess, and we will continue to support it through pro-people policies." The city has plans to inaugurate the Small and Medium Industrial Center and the National Craft Council office, renovated from former prosecutor's office premises, providing adequate facilities for local entrepreneurs.
Further, the city government has launched the Amanah Financing program, offering interest-free loans up to IDR 25 million for microfinancing and facilitating business registration, intellectual property rights applications, and halal certifications—all without fees. This comprehensive initiative aims not just at economic growth but sustainable and inclusive development within the industrial hub of Banten.
Mayor Helldy Agustian concluded, "These achievements are the results of collective hard work. We will persistently innovate and collaborate to secure Cilegon's future as a livable city filled with opportunities." The rising HDI serves as both validation of Cilegon's strategic initiatives and inspiration for continuous efforts to improve the community's well-being, ensuring no resident is left behind on the path toward holistic development.