The ITKK research team has completed a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with relevant government agencies in Sekadau Regency.
Abstract
This study aims to identify the root causes of challenges and propose strategic solutions to improve the Human Development Index (HDI) in Sekadau Regency. Through collaborative efforts with relevant local government agencies, the research has produced a book that outlines key challenges in human resource development and provides policy recommendations to accelerate progress in education, healthcare, and economic welfare. Additionally, the study highlights the role of Dayak intellectuals in strengthening cultural identity and promoting sustainable environmental management while advocating for scholarly publications to gain global recognition for Dayak knowledge and culture.
1. Introduction
The Keling Kumang Institute of Technology (ITKK) Sekadau, through a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with relevant local government agencies in Sekadau Regency, West Kalimantan, has completed a study on the factors influencing the Human Development Index (HDI) in the region.
Released on December 11, 2024, the resulting book not only identifies major challenges but also offers concrete recommendations to enhance the quality of life for Sekadau’s residents. This publication has become a key reference in academic and policy discussions, particularly among intellectuals at ITKK Sekadau, and has sparked widespread interest across various community sectors.
2. Research Methodology
This study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Quantitative data were sourced from the Sekadau Regency Central Statistics Agency (BPS), covering HDI indicators such as Life Expectancy at Birth (LEB), Expected Years of Schooling (EYS), Mean Years of Schooling (MYS), and Per Capita Expenditure (PCE) for the period 2022–2023.
Qualitative data were gathered through FGDs with relevant agencies and interviews with key figures, including Dr. Masiun, Musa Narang, Masri Sareb Putra, Adil Bertus, and Laurensius T. Thematic analysis was used to identify core issues and formulate relevant solutions.
3. Findings and Discussion
3.1 Human Development Index in Sekadau Regency
According to BPS data, Sekadau Regency’s HDI in 2022 ranked 13th out of 14 regencies/cities in West Kalimantan Province, with an HDI score of 66.13. In 2023, the HDI slightly increased to 66.83, indicating modest progress. The following table summarizes the development of HDI indicators:
Indicator | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
Life Expectancy at Birth (LEB) | 73.50 years | 73.93 years |
Expected Years of Schooling (EYS) | 12.10 years | 12.15 years |
Mean Years of Schooling (MYS) | 6.80 years | 6.85 years |
Per Capita Expenditure (PCE) | $714 (Rp 10.2M) | $735 (Rp 10.5M) |
These improvements reflect advancements in healthcare, education, and economic welfare. However, challenges such as limited access to quality education, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and low economic welfare persist.
3.2 Challenges and Solutions
The study identified several key challenges in improving Sekadau’s HDI:
Limited Access to Education: Low access to higher education among the Dayak community, which forms the majority of Sekadau’s population.
Healthcare Infrastructure: Insufficient healthcare facilities impacting Life Expectancy at Birth.
Economic Welfare: Low per capita expenditure, reflecting challenges in increasing household income.
To address these challenges, the research team proposes the following strategic solutions:
Enhancing Access to Higher Education: Establish scholarship programs for Dayak youth to pursue higher education in strategic fields.
Improving Healthcare Infrastructure: Invest in healthcare facilities to boost LEB.
Economic Empowerment: Develop programs leveraging local resources to increase PCE.
3.3 Role of Dayak Intellectuals
Discussions involving key figures such as Dr. Masiun, Musa Narang, Masri Sareb Putra, Adil Bertus, and Laurensius T. underscored the critical role of Dayak intellectuals in advancing community welfare. Dr. Masiun emphasized that higher education and research are essential for preserving Dayak culture while addressing global challenges. Musa Narang focused on value-based education, Masri Sareb Putra on sustainable development, and Adil Bertus on sustainable human resource development. These intellectuals are committed to publishing their research in international academic journals to enhance global recognition of Dayak culture and knowledge.
4. Conclusion
The study reveals that while Sekadau Regency’s HDI improved from 66.13 in 2022 to 66.83 in 2023, progress remains slow. Major challenges include limited access to education, inadequate healthcare facilities, and low economic welfare. Through collaboration between ITKK Sekadau, local government agencies, and Dayak intellectuals, the study recommends enhancing access to higher education, investing in healthcare infrastructure, and promoting economic empowerment based on local resources. Scholarly publications and the reinforcement of Dayak cultural identity are also critical steps toward sustainable development in Sekadau Regency.
5. Recommendations
Promote scholarship programs for Dayak youth to increase access to higher education.
Increase investment in healthcare infrastructure to support improvements in LEB.
Develop economic empowerment programs based on local resources to boost PCE.
Strengthen research and scholarly publications on Dayak culture, environment, and economy to support global recognition.
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