BLITAR – Karya Mas program in Blitar City will receive additional support after the local government allocated nearly Rp974.4 million ($60,000) to pay facilitators overseeing the initiative through the end of 2026.

The Blitar City Government has set aside the budget to cover salaries for 48 facilitators from June to December. These personnel will assist residents and monitor the implementation of the Community Works Program, locally known as Karya Mas.

Freddy Hermawan, Head of Government Administration at the Blitar City Secretariat, said each facilitator will receive a monthly honorarium of around Rp2.9 million to Rp3 million. The amount exceeds the regional minimum wage.

“Facilitators serve as program experts, and their monthly honorarium ranges from approximately Rp2.9 million to Rp3 million,” Freddy told reporters.

According to Freddy, the city will prioritize candidates who have experience supporting community empowerment programs. Officials believe experienced facilitators can work more effectively and help accelerate program implementation.

“The priority is individuals who have previously assisted community empowerment programs,” he said.

The facilitators will play a key role in ensuring that activities reach local communities and follow targets established by the city government. They will also help coordinate implementation at the neighborhood level and provide guidance to residents participating in the program.

Based on the planned monthly honorarium of Rp2.9 million, the city will spend about Rp139.2 million each month for all 48 facilitators. Over the seven-month period, total salary expenditures will reach approximately Rp974.4 million.

Freddy said the city government will continue paying facilitators until the program concludes in December 2026.

“The facilitators’ salaries will be paid until the completion of the program, which is expected in December,” he said.

Facilitators will work directly with local communities throughout the program. They will provide guidance, monitor progress, and help residents carry out activities effectively.

In addition, the Karya Mas program forms part of the city’s broader effort to strengthen community participation in local development. Officials hope the additional support will improve program performance and deliver better results for residents.

With funding already secured, the Blitar administration expects implementation to remain on schedule through the end of 2026.