<![CDATA[This study examines the implementation of the SKALA program in North Kalimantan Province through the lens of South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC), specifically assessing its contribution to the realization of SDGs Target 17. As a border region, North Kalimantan confronts significant disparities in basic service delivery, evidenced by a school infrastructure standard fulfilment rate of merely 31.14% and a severe concentration of 143 medical specialists in Tarakan City, while remote health centres frequently report a total absence of specialist personnel. Methodologically, this research employs a qualitative approach, wherein data were gathered through comprehensive document analysis and in-depth interviews with key SKALA personnel, including the SKALA Provincial Lead for North Kalimantan. The findings demonstrate that the SKALA program has successfully harmonized three core paradigms principle, power, and purpose among the Australian Government (DFAT), the Indonesian Central Government, and the Local Government. This multistakeholder partnership provides a substantial contribution to SDGs Targets 17.16 and 17.18, notably through the integration of the SIJOSKU application for updating data on 39,000 persons with disabilities and the strategic formulation of the PKAA roadmap for the water transportation sector. Furthermore, the sustainability of local data systems is bolstered by the SEPAKAT platform, which is aligned with Permendagri 5/2024 and the Co-Metrics digital instrument. Ultimately, the enhancement of data-driven policy capacity within the local bureaucracy is formally codified within the 2030–2034 Technocratic RPJMD, ensuring the long-term, independent continuity of inclusive development.]]>
