Southwest Aceh Regency Sees Poverty Reduction, Fiscal Improvements Under Bupati Safaruddin’s Leadership
Meulaboh – A year into his term, Aceh Barat Daya (Abdya) Regent Dr. Safaruddin, along with Deputy Regent Zaman Akli, have overseen significant changes in the region, laying the groundwork for substantial development, according to officials at Teuku Umar University (UTU). The administration’s performance, focused on the vision of “Abdya Maju’s Recent Direction,” has been lauded by UTU Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ishak Hasan, who highlighted improvements in key macroeconomic indicators and governance within the region, often referred to as “Bumi Breuh Sigupai.”
Poverty Rate Declines
One of the most notable achievements is a 2.02% reduction in the poverty rate over the past year. Data indicates a decrease from 15.35% to 13.30%, marking the most significant decline in the last five years. This progress reflects the regional government’s efforts to address economic challenges and improve the livelihoods of its citizens.
Fiscal Restructuring and Debt Reduction
The Abdya Regency Government has also made strides in fiscal management, successfully paying off IDR 52 billion (approximately $3.2 million USD as of February 28, 2026) in regional debt, representing 89.7% of the initial total. Simultaneously, the region has maintained an Unqualified Opinion (WTP) from auditors for the 10th consecutive year, demonstrating sound financial accountability.
Investments in Education and Religious Values
The administration has prioritized education and religious values through the implementation of the “Teungku Saweu Sikula” program, which assigns 40 religious teachers (Teungku) to schools. Scholarships were awarded to 142 outstanding students and those specializing in Quranic memorization (tahfidz).
National Recognition
Abdya Regency has also received national recognition for its initiatives, including the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Awards 2026 and winning the General Championship of Appropriate Technology (TTG) Aceh 2025 with its “Lampengeuh” innovation.
UTU Chancellor Praises Regional Development
UTU Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ishak Hasan emphasized that the steps taken by the Abdya Regency Government represent long-term investments, particularly in enhancing human resource quality and regional economic stability. He noted the positive impact of initiatives aimed at maintaining microeconomic stability and controlling inflation through low-cost market operations and support for Micro, Minor and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
“The regional government’s steps in maintaining microeconomic stability and controlling inflation through low-cost market operations and empowering MSMEs have produced concrete results for the lower classes. Programs such as ‘Teungku Saweu Sikula’ and the provision of scholarships are long-term investments to produce a generation of Abdya who are intelligent and have noble character. We see courage in improving regional fiscal health while continuing to carry out infrastructure programs that touch the public interest,” said Prof. Ishak Hasan.
Future Outlook
While acknowledging ongoing development challenges, Prof. Ishak Hasan expressed optimism about Abdya’s potential to become a new economic growth center in the southwest coastal region of Aceh, driven by the eight strategic missions outlined in the “Peumakmue Nanggroe” program.