Generations of the province’s ethnic communities have contributed to this trajectory, forging a resilient political and cultural identity in the Central Highlands.
From early revolutionary bases to today’s socio-economic advancements, the province’s “red addresses” continue to anchor local memory. In Stơr village of Tơ Tung commune, homeland of Hero Núp, residents have shifted from low-yield crops to sugarcane, improving livelihoods and reducing the number of poor households to five. The reconstructed resistance village and Memorial House of Hero Núp preserve Bahnar cultural identity and serve as a focal point for patriotic education.
At A Sanh ferry in Nú village, Ia Krái commune, associated with Hero of the People’s Armed Forces A Sanh, modern motorboats have replaced wartime canoes once used to transport soldiers and weapons.
The 100% Jrai village, recognized as meeting new rural standards since 2013, features improved infrastructure and cultural vibrancy, including a gong team active in local festivals and Pô Kô River canoe races.
In 2024, the village received a certificate of merit from the Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee for achievements over three years implementing Conclusion No. 01-KL/TW on studying and following Ho Chi Minh’s thought, ethics and lifestyle.
In Bạc 1 village, memories of wartime hardship remain vivid for Hero of the People’s Armed Forces Kpă Ó, now 75. Despite historical trauma, the village has expanded robustly with coffee, pepper, and fruit cultivation. The Party cell of 20 members reports that none are poor, reflecting changing mindsets and growing confidence in community development.
Across the province, poverty reduction underscores broader transformation. By the end of 2024, Gia Lai (former) had lowered its poverty rate to 6.06%, with 12.66% among ethnic minorities. Provincial authorities attribute such progress to strengthened Party building, improved leadership capacity, and consolidation from grassroots cells to higher-level committees.
Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council Rah Lan Chung noted that, over eight decades, the Committee has led the population through two resistance wars and the subsequent period of socialist construction and renovation. He highlighted unity, creativity, and the application of Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought as defining elements of Gia Lai’s political identity and development achievements.
A major political and administrative milestone awaits in 2025. Under Resolution 202/2025/QH15, Gia Lai (former) and Bình Định will officially merge on 1 July 2025 to form the new Gia Lai province. The merger is expected to expand development space, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen regional integration.
Following the merger, the Provincial Party Committee will comprise 139 grassroots-level Party Committees with more than 147,000 Party members. The first Provincial Party Congress of the new province, scheduled for early October 2025 for the 2025-2030 term, will set strategic directions aimed at elevating Gia Lai into a relatively developed locality and a key growth pole in the Central and Central Highlands regions.
From its revolutionary origins to the threshold of a historic merger, Gia Lai now enters a new chapter defined by aspiration, unity, and forward-looking vision, built on the enduring spirit of its early struggles and the achievements of decades of renovation.
Proudly rising from a heroic tradition
Former member of the Party Central Committee and former Secretary of the Gia Lai Provincial Party Committee (former) Ha Son Nhin observed that the province’s development journey has always been closely linked to the Party’s leadership and the guiding light of Ho Chi Minh Thought.
He believes that each period has marked important progress for the Provincial Party Committee, especially in the renovation of organizational structure and local government under the two-tier model.
The provincial merger is an inevitable step, and while it will not be without difficulties, it opens up new development space and greater advantages in regional connectivity, culture, and infrastructure for Gia Lai.
He expressed hope that the Gia Lai Provincial Party Committee for the 2025-2030 term will continue to listen to reality, provide accurate and effective leadership, and focus on resolving issues in areas still facing many challenges to gradually narrow the development gap.
“The 80-year tradition is the foundation for the Party Committee, government, and people of the province to successfully achieve the goals set by the first Provincial Party Congress, building a clean and strong Party, developing the economy and society, and maintaining national defense and security in the new era,” he emphasized.
From the perspective of a historical witness, Hero of the People’s Armed Forces Nguyễn Văn Nhương (Diên Hồng ward) affirmed that the decisions of the Provincial Party Committee have always been closely aligned with reality and have promptly addressed the issues of each period, thus quickly taking root in life and creating clear changes.
He believes that streamlining the apparatus will help officials be closer to the grassroots, improving people’s lives, as Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has said: “Good, but let’s make it even better.”
“Of course, the initial phase will not be without difficulties, especially given the vast area, long border, and many remote regions. Therefore, along with socio-economic development, the locality must pay special attention to national defense and security, maintaining peace from the grassroots, especially in border areas,” Mr. Nhương shared.
Meanwhile, as a young person of today’s peaceful generation, Ms. Rơ Mah H’Dịu, Secretary of the Đức Cơ Commune Youth Union, shared her pride in continuing the tradition painstakingly built by previous generations.
For her, the responsibility of young Party members today lies not only in their spirit of self-improvement, dedication, and contribution, but also in their political mettle, new knowledge, and skills suited to the times. In a context of diverse information, young Party members must be steadfast, exemplary, close to the people, understand the people, and know how to listen to them.
Especially for ethnic minority youth, according to Ms. H’Dịu, it is also a mission to preserve and spread the beautiful cultural values of their people, contributing to enriching the homeland’s identity.
This is an important cultural and spiritual resource that helps the younger generation confidently accompany the Provincial Party Committee on the new journey.
These reflections and hopes, whether from the perspective of a leader, a witness, or a young person, all converge on one point: faith in the renewal, unity, and development aspirations of Gia Lai after the merger.
From 80 years of glorious tradition, a new chapter is opening, demanding the courage, intelligence, and sense of responsibility of the entire political system and every citizen in the province.
P.D (recorded)