Prabowo Inaugurates 961 Regional Leaders, Emphasizes Indonesia’s Greatness

JAKARTA, investortrust.id – President Prabowo Subianto inaugurates 961 regional leaders in a landmark ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, Feb 20, 2025. This simultaneous inauguration highlights what Prabowo describes as the vast magnitude of Indonesia as the world’s fourth most populous nation.

The Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs, known as Kemendagri, oversees the first-ever mass inauguration, involving 33 governors and 33 vice governors, 363 regents and 362 vice regents, plus 85 mayors and 85 deputy mayors. President Prabowo Subianto underscores that the seamless conduct of the ceremony reflects Indonesia’s dynamic and thriving democratic system.

“This also shows us how immense our nation truly is,” Prabowo says while addressing the newly sworn-in leaders. “We are the fourth largest country in the world by population. We have a vibrant democracy—alive, functioning, and dynamic.”

After congratulating the officials, President Prabowo reminds them of their core responsibility to serve the people. He emphasizes that each regional head must act as a guardian of public interests, working relentlessly to improve citizens’ welfare.

“You are the people’s servants,” Prabowo declares. “You must defend the public interest, safeguard it, and fight for a better life for our citizens.”

The President also notes the diverse political affiliations, faiths, and backgrounds represented among the newly sworn-in leaders. Despite these differences, Prabowo reminds them that they are part of a single Indonesian family, unified by the national motto of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which means “Unity in Diversity.”

“We are all members of one big family, the Republic of Indonesia, the Red and White,” he says, referencing the Indonesian flag. “We may differ in many ways, but we stand united.”

Following the inauguration, each official is set to attend an intensive briefing and retreat program at the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil) in Magelang, organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The initiative aims to strengthen leadership skills, foster collaboration among newly inaugurated regional heads, and align them with national development objectives.

Procession and Oath of Office

The official program begins with a ceremonial parade from the National Monument (Monas) to the Presidential Palace, led by Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, accompanied by Deputy Ministers Bima Arya Sugiarto and Ribka Haluk.

Upon arriving at the palace gates, the leaders—dressed in formal white ceremonial uniforms—are greeted by cavalry and a marching band from the Institute of Public Administration (IPDN), performing national songs. The officials then line up in the palace courtyard, awaiting the President’s arrival.

President Prabowo Subianto enters the inauguration area with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, joined by members of the Red and White Cabinet and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sufmi Dasco Ahmad.

Government staff reads out the presidential decree on the appointment of governors and vice governors, followed by the ministerial decree for regents, vice regents, mayors, and deputy mayors. President Prabowo then leads the newly sworn-in officials in their oath of office, each responding according to their respective faith or belief system.

“By Allah, I swear. By Sang Hyang Adi Buddha, I promise. By Tian in the highest realm with the guidance of the Prophet Kong Zi, may he be praised, I swear,” President Prabowo pronounces, echoing the solemn pledge repeated by the 961 leaders. “I will fulfill my duties as governor, vice governor, regent, vice regent, mayor, or deputy mayor to the best of my abilities, uphold the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, abide by our laws, and serve the people, nation, and country faithfully.”

With the ceremony concluded, President Prabowo personally greets and congratulates each leader, offering a reminder of their crucial role in supporting Indonesia’s continued democratic development and national progress.