Regional Head Retreat Key to Central and Regional Synergy, PDIP General Chair’s Call Irrelevant
The appeal by the Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Megawati Soekarnoputri for her cadres serving as regional heads to postpone attending the Regional Head Retreat on February 21-28, 2025 is considered irrelevant.
This is because this agenda has a strategic role in aligning the vision of a clean and professional government.
Previously, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri) Bima Arya Sugiarto emphasized that the retreat is an important provision for regional heads, considering that not all of them understand the principles of good governance.
Moreover, the management of the regional budget reaching IDR 1,300 trillion must be carried out transparently and accountably.
“Our APBN is IDR 3,600 trillion, our APBD is around IDR 1,300 trillion. It must be managed well based on the principles of clean and professional government. Not all regional heads understand that either,” said Bima Arya.
To ensure integrity in budget management, various state institutions also provide provisions to regional heads.
“That’s why the KPK is speaking, the Chief of Police, the Attorney General, the BPK, the BPKP, so that the Rp3,600 trillion of people’s money returns to the people,” added Bima.
In addition to aspects of governance, this retreat also discussed national strategic programs, including Asta Cita or the vision and mission of President Prabowo Subianto’s government. A total of 42 ministers of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet will provide materials related to various sectors, ranging from food security, education, health, to population.
Similarly, political communication observer Gun Gun Heryanto assessed that this retreat is an important step to align policies between the central and regional governments.
“This retreat is an option that Mr. Prabowo has to ensure the consolidation of the central and regional governments. Synergy is the most fundamental problem in bureaucratic governance in Indonesia,” explained Gun Gun.
On the other hand, regarding the detention of PDIP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto by the KPK, the Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections (Kumham Imipas) Yusril Ihza Mahendra asked the public to respect the legal process.
“We respect the KPK as a state law enforcement institution that independently enforces the law,” said Yusril.
