Five Policy Visions Unveiled on Indigenous Peoples' Day! Ko Chih-en: Building a Kaohsiung Where Urban and Rural Communities Thrive Together

On August 1, Indigenous Peoples' Day, Kuomintang Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Ko Chih-en unveiled her Indigenous policy roadmap, centered on five pillars: 'Cultural Roots, Empowered Industries, Accessible Healthcare, Connected Homelands, and Supported Communities.' She emphasized that Kaohsiung, home to the most diverse Indigenous population in Taiwan, must extend equitable support beyond the three designated Indigenous administrative districts to include urban Indigenous residents.

Ko noted that increasing numbers of Indigenous youth are relocating to cities for education and employment, yet face challenges such as limited cultural spaces, language erosion, and fragmented resources. To address this, her administration will advance policies across five domains—culture, industry, healthcare, infrastructure, and urban services—to create an inclusive environment that bridges rural and urban development.

For cultural preservation, Ko proposed raising incentives for Indigenous language certification to a maximum of NT$20,000, encouraging broader language learning. She pledged to monitor progress on the National Museum of Indigenous Peoples and advocate for additional facilities such as large ceremonial plazas and youth entrepreneurship hubs. Furthermore, cultural gathering centers will be gradually established in urban Indigenous communities in Fengshan, Siaogang, Nanzih, and Zuoying, providing vital spaces for cultural exchange.

To boost economic development, Ko aims to upgrade the Kaohsiung Indigenous collective brand by integrating design, digital marketing, and market expansion resources. She introduced 'Homeland Tourism 2.0,' combining tribal culture, eco-tourism, and local industries to stimulate regional economies. A youth entrepreneurship support program will offer startup subsidies, branding guidance, and travel allowances for returning to participate in traditional ceremonies, lowering barriers to rural return.

In healthcare, Ko highlighted the frequent disruption of medical access in mountainous regions due to typhoons and heavy rains. Her plan includes strengthening medical capacity at health centers in Taoyuan, Namasia, and Maolin, establishing in-home acute care during disasters, and expanding mobile specialty services in ophthalmology, dentistry, rehabilitation, and mental health. Additionally, she will train more caregivers fluent in Indigenous languages and culturally sensitive to community needs.

For homeland infrastructure, Ko advocates for permanent improvements to critical transportation routes like Provincial Highway 29 and Wafaha Bridge. The plan includes ongoing upgrades to farm roads and drainage systems, pre-positioning disaster relief supplies, and training youth-led disaster response teams to enhance climate resilience in Indigenous communities.

To meet urban Indigenous needs, Ko proposed establishing an Integrated Urban Indigenous Service Center, consolidating employment, education, housing, legal aid, social welfare, and long-term care services into a single access point, reducing bureaucratic burden. She also emphasized support for youth employment and housing, promoting Indigenous restaurants, crafts, music, and cultural creative industries through comprehensive startup mentoring and sales platforms, turning cultural assets into engines for jobs and urban development.

Ko welcomed the Executive Yuan's recent recognition of the Siraya people as Taiwan's 17th officially recognized Indigenous group, calling it a milestone in historical justice. With all 17 recognized groups present in Kaohsiung, she pledged continued support for the official recognition of Pingpu groups such as the Taivoan and Makatao, ensuring their histories, languages, and cultures are preserved and respected.

Ko stressed that Indigenous peoples are indispensable partners in Kaohsiung’s development. Her vision is to build a city where every individual can take pride in their heritage, live securely, pursue careers, and realize dreams—creating a truly inclusive, equitable, and thriving metropolis.