A significant drop in poverty rates and fiscal stability mark the first year of the administration of Aceh Barat Daya (Abdya) Regent Dr. Safaruddin and Vice Regent Zaman Akli, officials say.
Poverty in the Abdya regency decreased by 2.02% over the past year, falling from 15.35% to 13.30% – the most significant reduction in five years, according to government data. The progress was lauded by Teuku Umar University (UTU) Rector Prof. Dr. Ishak Hasan, who noted improvements in both macroeconomic indicators and governance within the region, often called “Bumi Breuh Sigupai.”
The local government as well successfully addressed its debt, paying off Rp 52 billion (approximately $3.2 million USD) – nearly 90% of the original amount – whereas maintaining an unqualified opinion for the tenth consecutive year. This fiscal health is seen as a foundation for the region’s “Arah Baru Abdya Maju” (New Direction for Abdya Progress) vision.
Beyond economic improvements, the Abdya government has invested in education and religious values through the “Teungku Saweu Sikula” program, assigning 40 religious teachers to local schools. The region also awarded scholarships to 142 high-achieving students and Quranic memorization students. These efforts have been recognized nationally, with Abdya receiving the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Awards 2026 and winning first place in the 2025 Aceh Technology Adaptation (TTG) competition with an innovation called “Lampengeuh.”
Prof. Hasan emphasized that the government’s actions represent a long-term investment, particularly in human capital and economic stability. “The government’s steps in maintaining microeconomic stability and controlling inflation through affordable market operations and empowering SMEs have yielded concrete results for the lower classes,” he said. “Programs like ‘Teungku Saweu Sikula’ and the provision of scholarships are long-term investments to create a smart and virtuous generation of Abdya. We see courage in improving the region’s fiscal health while still carrying out infrastructure programs that touch on public interests.”
The UTU Rector also highlighted the importance of continued efforts, acknowledging that significant development challenges remain. However, he expressed optimism that the eight strategic missions within the “Peumakmue Nanggroe” program will position Abdya for growth as a new economic center on the southwest coast of Aceh. The success of Abdya could serve as a model for other regions facing similar economic and social hurdles.
“Langkah pemerintah daerah dalam menjaga stabilitas ekonomi mikro dan pengendalian inflasi melalui operasi pasar murah serta pemberdayaan UMKM telah membuahkan hasil konkret bagi masyarakat bawah. Program seperti ‘Teungku Saweu Sikula’ dan pemberian beasiswa ini adalah investasi jangka panjang untuk mencetak generasi Abdya yang cerdas dan berakhlak mulia. Kita melihat ada keberanian dalam menyehatkan fiskal daerah sembari tetap menjalankan program infrastruktur yang menyentuh kepentingan publik,” ujar Prof. Ishak Hasan.
[Humas UTU]
Laporan: Yuhdi F. | Foto: Istimewa.
