Coinciding with the commemoration of regional autonomy day on April 15, 2024 in Balaikota Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi, the city's visionary mayor, was bestowed with the prestigious Satyalancana Karya Bhakti Praja Nugraha by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. This distinguished honor marks Eri as the first Surabaya City Mayor to receive such recognition, underscoring his remarkable leadership and the city's exceptional achievements under his stewardship.

Eri's journey to this momentous occasion is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the well-being and prosperity of Surabaya's residents. Through innovative policies, strategic planning, and tireless efforts, he has transformed Surabaya into a beacon of progress and excellence, earning accolades both nationally and internationally.

At the heart of Surabaya's success story lies a commitment to holistic development, addressing key challenges while leveraging opportunities for growth. One of Eri's proudest accomplishments is Surabaya's remarkable progress in combating stunting among children, a pervasive issue in many parts of Indonesia. Through targeted interventions and community engagement initiatives, Surabaya has achieved significant reductions in stunting prevalence to only 1,6%, that is the lowest stunting prevalence in Indonesia, the laying the foundation for a healthier and more resilient future generation.

Furthermore, under Eri's leadership, Surabaya has witnessed notable advancements in human development indices, reflecting improvements in education, healthcare, and overall quality of life. These achievements are a testament to the city's inclusive approach to development, prioritizing the well-being and empowerment of all residents, regardless of background or socioeconomic status through many initiatives, such as: Pemuda Tangguh scholarship, school certificate redemption, 100% Universal Health Coverage, and the empowerment of small medium enterprises via e-peken platform.

Eri's visionary leadership has also contributed to tangible economic gains, with Surabaya experiencing a decrease in unemployment rates and a significant alleviation of poverty. By his initiative, Surabaya has experienced a notable decrease in its open unemployment rate, largely attributed to the implementation of the Padat Karya (Labor Intensive) Program. In 2021, the open unemployment rate stood at 9.68%, reflecting prevailing economic challenges exacerbated by the global pandemic. However, strategic initiatives such as the Padat Karya Program, designed to absorb unemployed labor from underprivileged residents using unutilized assets of the city government, contributed to a significant improvement. By 2022, the open unemployment rate had decreased to 7.62%, showcasing the efficacy of targeted employment initiatives. This positive trend continued into 2023, with the rate further decreasing to 6.76%. Padat Karya Program not only provided much-needed employment opportunities but also revitalized underutilized assets, fostering economic growth and social development in Surabaya.

Moreover, Surabaya's commitment to environmental sustainability and public health has garnered praise and recognition on a national scale. The Mayor’s achievement to realize 100% open defecation free in Surabaya in only 2 (two) years reflects his proactive approach to sanitation and hygiene, ensuring a clean, healthy and comfortable environment for all.

As Eri Cahyadi receives the Satyalancana Karya Bhakti Praja Nugraha, he does so not only as a symbol of individual excellence but also as a testament to the collective efforts of Surabaya's residents, civil servants, and stakeholders. This prestigious honor serves as a reminder of the transformative power of visionary leadership, bold initiatives, and unwavering commitment to the common good.

Looking ahead, Eri remains steadfast in his dedication to Surabaya's continued progress and prosperity. With a vision for an advanced, humanistic and sustainable world city, he seeks to build upon past achievements, tackle emerging challenges, and chart a course towards an even brighter future for Surabaya and its people.