Surabaya – Strengthening local leadership and governance remains a cornerstone of ASEAN’s development narrative. In Indonesia, Regent Subandi of Sidoarjo has been honored with the Radar Surabaya Award 2025 for his commitment to economic advancement and infrastructure development in the region.

The award ceremony, held at Vasa Hotel Surabaya on July 31, recognized Subandi as a figure who prioritizes inclusive growth and cooperation. In his remarks, Subandi underlined that progress in Sidoarjo was not the effort of a single office, but the result of collaboration among government agencies, community stakeholders, and the media.

“Building Sidoarjo is not the sole task of the regent and deputy regent. It requires the contribution of every sector, from the local leadership forum to community engagement,” he stated.

He further highlighted the role of media in shaping balanced public discourse and ensuring that infrastructure achievements are communicated effectively to citizens. Such collaboration, he noted, has strengthened accountability and built public trust.

For ASEAN observers, Sidoarjo’s recognition illustrates how local governance practices contribute to broader regional priorities of transparency, shared responsibility, and sustainable development.