PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government (Pemkot) and the East Kotawaringin Regency Government (Pemkab) have officially established a strategic partnership focused on increasing local revenue (PAD), digitizing public services, developing development planning, and the education sector.

The agreement was marked by the signing of the Cooperation Agreement (NKS) on Regional Potential Development at the Bandung City Hall Plaza, Monday (15/6/2026).

The signing was carried out by officials from both regional governments and witnessed directly by the Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan and the Regent of East Kotawaringin, Halikinnor.

In his remarks, Farhan said that inter-regional cooperation is an important step to strengthen development that is oriented towards community welfare.

According to him, regional progress cannot be achieved alone, but requires collaboration and exchange of experiences between regional governments.

"On this occasion, of course, we are working together to realize interregional collaboration with our brothers and sisters from East Kotawaringin Regency so that this collaboration will be even stronger in driving progress and community welfare," said Farhan.

He believes that East Kotawaringin Regency possesses various outstanding potentials that can become a driving force for regional development. Furthermore, Bandung City also boasts a wealth of experience and innovations to share, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, the creative economy, and modern governance.

Farhan explained that the agreed cooperation covers a number of strategic areas, including the development of regional planning and research, increasing local revenue (PAD), education services, integrated one-stop services, and the development of an electronic-based government system (SPBE).

"The government's collaboration with the regional secretary includes developing planning and research, developing local revenue (PAD), educational services, and providing integrated one-stop services with the DPMPTSP," he said.

According to Farhan, the focus on increasing local revenue (PAD) is one of the main reasons why East Kotawaringin Regency is interested in collaborating with Bandung City. This aligns with the central government's directive encouraging each region to become more independent by optimizing regional revenue.

"The central government, particularly the Ministry of Home Affairs, has mandated that every region pursue local revenue (PAD). These sectors have significant potential to increase regional revenue, particularly through planning, service digitization, and the development of electronic-based government systems," he said.

He believes digitalization is a crucial instrument for improving the effectiveness of public services while simultaneously strengthening regional revenue potential. With increasingly integrated and technology-based systems, various government services can operate more quickly, transparently, and efficiently.

Therefore, the City of Bandung is ready to share its experiences in e-government development. Farhan hopes that the good practices implemented in the City of Bandung can serve as a reference for East Kotawaringin in accelerating its government's digital transformation.

In addition to government aspects, the education sector is also a focus of this collaboration. Farhan believes that digitalizing education services is crucial for improving service quality and strengthening the role of private educational institutions.

"Digital-based education services are important because they can optimize the role of private schools. Private schools should not be underestimated, as they can provide extensive job opportunities and contribute to tax revenue," he said.

Farhan further stated that this collaboration will benefit not only East Kotawaringin but also the city of Bandung. He believes Bandung can learn from East Kotawaringin's experience in managing the region's natural resources.

He even sees opportunities for collaboration in higher education and research. Students from various universities in Bandung, particularly those specializing in geology and natural resources, can utilize East Kotawaringin as a location for learning and field research.

"For example, geology students can learn directly there. Geology students from Unpad and ITB will certainly gain a lot of experience from the natural resource potential of East Kotawaringin," he said.

Meanwhile, the Regent of East Kotawaringin, Halikinnor, expressed his gratitude for the upcoming collaboration. He hopes it will have a positive impact on his region.

"We both want to contribute to the region and impact the community's well-being," he said. (Bandung City Communications and Information Service/rka)