Deputy Interior Minister: Authority Without Capability is Mere Fantasy
Deputy Interior Minister (Wamendagri) Bima Arya Sugiarto has encouraged the strengthening of effective and efficient governance in implementing regional autonomy. He conveyed this during his role as inspecting officer at the ceremony commemorating the 30th Regional Autonomy Day at Plaza Gedung A, Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) headquarters in Jakarta.
In his address, Bima emphasised that regional autonomy is a dynamic process that continues to evolve and requires ongoing refinement, with authority serving as the primary foundation for its implementation.
“There is one word that is very closely associated with regional autonomy. One word that becomes the essence of regional autonomy compared to other systems: authority,” he stated in a written release on Monday (27/4/2026).
However, he reminded that such authority must be accompanied by capacity and integrity to achieve optimal results.
“Authority without capability is mere fantasy,” he asserted.
According to him, regional autonomy is not just about authority, but also about responsibility in providing quality public services, strengthening government integrity, and ensuring that policies truly benefit the community.
In this context, Bima stressed the importance of accelerating, synchronising, and collaborating between central and regional governments. These efforts also include strengthening communication between regional heads and the community, as well as consolidating institutions down to the lowest levels.
Furthermore, he stated that the policy direction aligns with the President’s instructions to continuously enhance the quality of governance.
“In this Regional Autonomy commemoration, allow me to convey the message and directives often reminded by the President to continue delivering governance that is not only effective but also efficient,” he said.
Bima added that efficiency is not merely interpreted as budget savings, but as a new approach to managing government through adaptive work culture transformation oriented towards results.
In addition, he highlighted the importance of increasing regional fiscal capacity, strengthening integrity, and simplifying regulations to encourage innovation in the regions as part of ongoing improvement efforts.
Finally, Bima invited all stakeholders to continue strengthening collaboration in realising regional autonomy that has a real impact on community welfare.
“Happy 30th Regional Autonomy Day. May Allah ease all our efforts to prosper the people, deliver effective government, and benefit its citizens,” he concluded.
As part of the event series, the ceremony included the presentation of Appreciation Certificates for the Results of the National Evaluation of Regional Government Performance in 2025 to several outstanding regions.
At the provincial level, awards were given to the Special Capital Region of Jakarta Province, Special Region of Yogyakarta, West Java, East Java, and South Kalimantan.
At the city level, awards were given, among others, to Tangerang City, South Tangerang, Blitar, Bandung, Salatiga, Denpasar, Makassar, Surabaya, and Semarang.
Meanwhile, at the regency level, awards were given to 15 regions: Banyuwangi, Sidoarjo, Bandung Regency, Jombang, Indramayu, Gresik, Gianyar, Bojonegoro, Nganjuk, Ngawi, Banyumas, Malang, Bangli, Purbalingga, and South Hulu Sungai.