By Lee Jon-young

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is embarking on an on-site survey in the Bontang City area of Indonesia from October 10 to 16, 2026, as part of the exploration of the Jeju-Style Official Development Assistance (ODA) project.

Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects are humanitarian aid initiatives provided by the central government, local governments, and public institutions with the aim of promoting economic development and social welfare in developing countries.

Jeju Province is undertaking this visit to Indonesia in order to apply for the 2026 ODA project offered by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Following discussions with the United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPEC) and the Jeju International Development Cooperation Center (JIDCC), Jeju Province has planned an ODA project to establish advanced resource circulation systems, including the Jeju Clean House and resource circulation systems, in the Bontang City area of Indonesia, which is grappling with waste management issues.

For this on-site survey, Jeju Province has formed a joint investigation team and plans to closely examine factors such as the demand for development aid projects in the Bontang City area, the feasibility and viability of project plans, the willingness of local governments and institutions to support the project, and local project proposals.

Based on the results of the on-site survey, Jeju Province will prepare a Jeju-style ODA project proposal tailored to the situation in Bontang City, Indonesia, and is scheduled to apply for the 2026 KOICA local government ODA project competition in March of next year.

In addition, Jeju Province designated 2012 as the "Year of International Development Cooperation" and has provided 1,394 million won in support to seven countries through its own initiatives since 2013.

Byun Deok-Seung, Director of the Jeju Province Tourism and Exchange Division, stated, "We will continue to actively explore Jeju-style ODA projects for sustainable development in developing countries and actively participate in the KOICA ODA project competition."