Interior Minister Reminds Regional Leaders: Answer to the People, Not the Party

JAKARTA, investortrust.id - Interior Minister Tito Karnavian calls out regional leaders, stressing their primary duty lies with the people who elected them, not the political parties that backed their campaigns, amid a controversy over a PDIP directive barring its leaders from a government retreat. This pointed reminder underscores tensions between party allegiance and public service as leaders gather in Magelang.

Speaking at the Military Academy (Akmil) in Magelang on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, Tito addressed the absence of 47 regional leaders from a scheduled retreat, suspecting travel disruptions or party policies—like that of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP)—were to blame. He referenced PDIP’s recent ban on its leaders attending the event. “The party is just their vehicle to enter the election; once elected, their number one responsibility is not to the party but to the people who chose them,” Tito said.

The retreat, hosting 450 of the nation’s governors, mayors, and regents, aims to forge connections among leaders and with ministers, benefiting their regions, not just the central government. “Those who don’t join miss out, losing the chance to network with peers, meet ministers, and connect with governors. They lose that momentum,” he warned. Tito emphasized its value for the next five years of governance, not as a central power play.

He clarified the retreat’s purpose, distancing it from militaristic overtones despite the Akmil venue. “I’ve explained we’re just borrowing the space to learn about Akmil, not its militarism. There are valuable principles here that apply to the private sector too,” he said.

Leaders were taught discipline, punctuality, and cleanliness—habits like starting meetings on time and tidying their own quarters—to enhance governance. “We’re trying to change habits this week; at their workplaces, if it’s 09:00, start at 09:00, not delay. In regions, I’ve seen 09:00 invitations start at 12:00—that’s not good,” he noted.

Deputy Interior Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto reported 450 attendees, with 47 still unconfirmed. “Today we’ll confirm if the 47 will join later or opt out, but it’s still possible for them to come today, whatever the reason,” he said. The door remains open for late arrivals.

The PDIP directive, issued by Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, via letter No. 7294/IN/DPP/II/2025, instructed its regional leaders to delay travel to the retreat, set for February 21–28. “Regional heads and deputies should postpone travel to the Magelang retreat from February 21–28, 2025. If already en route, stop and await further instructions,” she ordered. She added, “Stay in active communication and on standby for a commander call.”

Tito’s stance highlights a broader call for accountability to citizens over party lines, urging leaders to seize the retreat’s networking and learning opportunities amid this political tug-of-war.