Central Government Utilizes Second Batch of Retreat to Instill Discipline Among Regional Leaders
Jakarta – Secretary General of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Tomsi Tohir, emphasized that the regional leaders’ retreat is not merely a physical fitness event, but a serious effort to cultivate discipline among local government leaders.
“Those who are used to waking up late are expected to start and continue waking up early after this retreat. Exercise is important for staying healthy,” Tomsi said during the send-off ceremony for 86 regional leaders participating in the second batch of the retreat at the Ministry of Home Affairs headquarters.
According to Tomsi, waking up early should become an ingrained work culture for regional leaders. He noted that some leaders are still not accustomed to beginning their activities early in the morning.
“This is also a way to train them to get used to starting their day early and being ready for morning meetings,” he added.
The second batch of the retreat is taking place over five days, from June 22 to 26, 2025, at the Institute of Public Administration (IPDN) campus in Jatinangor, Sumedang, West Java.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto, who officially opened the retreat, highlighted the importance of this orientation in fostering a spirit of public service.
“We want Governors, Deputy Governors, Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Regents, and Deputy Regents participating in the retreat to strengthen their unity in diversity—and to take pride in being public servants of the archipelago,” he said during his remarks at IPDN’s main plaza.
Bima further noted that the retreat aims to reinforce the core duties and responsibilities of regional leaders in serving the public.
“The goal is for regional leaders to fully understand the grand vision of the President of the Republic of Indonesia—to internalize, implement, and accelerate the Asta Cita programs,” he explained.
He added that the choice of IPDN as the retreat venue was intentional, as the campus has produced thousands of civil servants dedicated to public service.
“This campus prepares cadets to become true citizens—fully committed to thinking and working for the people,” he said.
Bima underlined that the spirit of service embedded in IPDN’s culture forms a crucial foundation for nurturing leadership that serves, not one that seeks to be served.
“With great pride, the Ministry of Home Affairs has chosen this esteemed campus—with its spirit of service and dedication—to host the second batch of the regional leaders’ retreat,” he continued.
Out of the 93 regional leaders registered, 86 are attending the retreat. Six were unable to join due to health reasons, while one—Highland Papua Governor John Tabo—was absent due to the recent passing of his mother.
The retreat also serves as a platform to strengthen synergy between the central and regional governments. The central government hopes that, through this activity, regional leaders will return to their areas with renewed spirit, stronger discipline, and a greater readiness to deliver optimal public services.
