Bonifasius Belawan Geh

Bonifasius Belawan Geh (born ), also known popularly as "Mr. Boni", is an Indonesian businessman and politician who served as a two-terms regent of Mahakam Ulu. He was the first elected to the regency since its creation, after the separation of the regency from West Kutai, having previously been led by two acting regents. As regent, he initiated several infrastructure programs in the region, including the first asphalt-sealed road in the regency to alleviate the region's remoteness.

Biography

Early life and education

Bonifasius was born in the small Dayak village of Mahamak Besar, Long Bagun District, inside the Heart of Borneo on 17 September 1962. He is native Dayak descent from a small farmer family. He enrolled in primary school in his village until from 1974 to 1980 when he moved to town of Tering in West Kutai for junior high-school.

He then moved again to the city of Samarinda to pursue vocational education until graduating in 1986. He was elected as the first regent of Mahakam Ulu that was previously led by the acting regent. As of 2021, the road's construction has been ongoing with another section connecting the villages of Mahamak Besar and Long Melaham. He plans to also upgrade the recently built road connecting the villages of Ujoh Bilang and Mahamak Besar, expanding it to a two-lane road, the first of its kind in the region. He stated that road constructions are needed in the regency to remove the region's remoteness and make transportation easier than previously, which consistent mostly of using boats on the river. He also stated that the road construction would make the price of goods in the region cheaper. His plan, however, was criticized by environmentalists due to fear of destruction of Heart of Borneo's jungles.

His program included construction of office complex for regency's government in Ujoh Bilang due to previously the regency has no definitive office building. He also initiated telecommunication infrastructure in small villages in the regency, as well as stating that food sufficiency is also his top priority. He was succeeded by Angela Idang Belawan Geh, his daughter, who was elected on 2024 after an election repeat ordered by Constitutional Court due to irregularities, with accusations of him trying to build a political dynasty and using his incumbency to support his daughter's campaign.

Personal life

Bonifasius is married to Yovita Bulan Bonifasius, and they have five children.