Its status as a separate regency was restored on 10 April 2002 following rapid decentralization and democratization after the fall of Suharto.

[7] The Gunung Mas Regency is a second-level administrative division equivalent to a city, and is headed by a democratically elected regent.

District heads are appointed directly by the regent on the recommendation of the regency secretary.

At the local level, the regency is divided into three electoral districts which have a total of 25 representatives.

The fastest growing district in 2021 was Mihing Raya with growth of 4.67% while the least was Miri Manasa with 1.27%.

In 2021, the regency had a total gross regional domestic product (GRDP) of 3,619 billion rupiahs.

[12] As of 2021, the fastest growing sector in the economy was internet and communication, with 18.43% growth, followed by electricity and gas with 15.59%, and healthcare with 9.71%.

[12] In 2021, the regency had 15 operating banks, and 218 registered cooperatives, an increase of 2.83% from the previous year.

[12] The regency is served by Sangkalemu Airport in Kuala Kurun, which has weekly scheduled flights to Banjarmasin.

The road to Palangka Raya is often in poor condition due to its use by overweight vehicles,[18] and frequently experiences traffic congestion.

[20] In Kuala Kurun, the town park has shelter built for street vendors as part of relocation program by the government to reduce their presence in main roads.