By: Tasya Rahma )*
The retreat for regional heads elected in the 2024 Pilkada is a strategic step in unifying the vision and synergy between the central and regional governments. This activity aims to ensure that regional heads have an understanding that is in line with the direction of national policy, especially in realizing Indonesia Emas 2045. With a unity of steps, development programs in various regions are expected to run effectively and efficiently.
The importance of this retreat is increasingly clear when looking at the challenges faced by Indonesia in utilizing the demographic bonus. Regional heads have a crucial role in ensuring that the economic potential and human resources in their respective regions develop optimally. Without good coordination between the central government led by President Prabowo Subianto and regional heads, this golden opportunity could be missed. Therefore, aligning perceptions and speed of action are fundamental in ensuring that national and regional development policies run hand in hand.
The central government is aware that regional heads come from various political backgrounds. However, after the presidential and regional elections are over, it is time for all regional leaders to prioritize the interests of the people above all else. Consolidation in this retreat is a momentum to put aside group interests for one big goal: inclusive and sustainable national development.
One of the main focuses of this retreat is to ensure that all regional heads understand and are able to implement national policies in their respective regions. President Prabowo has emphasized the importance of stable and sustainable economic growth, with a target of reaching 8 percent. To realize this, synergy between the central and regional governments is a determining factor. Programs initiated at the national level must be implemented concretely in the regions without any coordination barriers.
Furthermore, this retreat also serves as a forum for regional heads to build closer communication. Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian, emphasized that regional heads cannot work individually. Governors need support from regents and mayors, and vice versa. Therefore, coordination between regional heads is key to building solid and effective governance.
The importance of harmonious relations between regional heads has been proven in several regions that proactively hold informal discussions. This step is considered to be able to reduce bureaucratic barriers that have often been obstacles to policy implementation. With a more open approach, regional governments can work faster and more effectively in implementing programs that have been designed.
The material in this retreat is designed so that regional heads gain a comprehensive understanding of their duties and responsibilities. In this forum, they will be provided with insight into the concept of long-term development, including the alignment of regional policies with the Grand Design of National Bureaucratic Reform (GDRBN) until 2045. In addition, regional heads are also expected to be able to implement disciplined and results-based leadership.
A culture of discipline in leadership is one of the things that is emphasized in this retreat. The government exemplifies how the discipline system implemented in institutions such as the Military Academy can be adapted in regional governance. Punctuality in carrying out government agendas, efficiency in decision-making, and more intensive coordination between the central and regional governments are important aspects that must be considered.
In addition, this retreat is also a forum for regional heads to improve their leadership capacity. By presenting various competent speakers, regional heads gain a deep understanding of their role as effective bureaucratic drivers. In this forum, they not only learn about regional development strategies but also understand how to build harmonious working relationships with the central government.
A number of national figures consider this retreat to be a very strategic step. Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI, Eddy Soeparno, emphasized that this retreat plays an important role in aligning perceptions and speed between the central and regional governments. If regional heads and the central government are not on the same line of coordination, Indonesia could lose momentum in utilizing the demographic bonus. Therefore, the consolidation that occurs in this retreat is considered as one of the keys to the success of national development in the long term. Support for the implementation of this retreat also came from the Deputy Speaker of the DPR, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad. He saw this activity as a real form of an effort to align the vision between the central and regional governments so that the planned programs can be implemented properly. In addition,This retreat is also considered as an event to maintain the spirit of unity and togetherness among regional heads who come from various political backgrounds.
This momentum is also expected to encourage all regional heads to be more active in holding coordination meetings at the regional level. So far, there are still many regions that are less intensive in holding meetings between governors, regents, and mayors. In fact, good coordination can help ensure that regional policies are in line with national policies.
Ultimately, synergy between the central and regional governments will be a key factor in realizing Indonesia Emas 2045, where economic growth, public welfare, and government stability can be achieved better.
)* Public Policy Observer
