Deputy Interior Minister Urges Regions to Optimise Food Security and Energy Transition

He believes that such progressive steps are essential to address various concrete issues, such as food security and rapid, measurable energy transition. This was stated by him during the Working Meeting of Governors (Rekergub) of the Primary Praja Partner Regional Cooperation Forum (MPU) 2026 in Semarang City, Central Java, today. “Communication forums for regional heads have often been limited to administrative and ceremonial matters that do not progress, whereas now we need a progressive sectoral approach, directly addressing concrete issues, with clear financing,” said Bima in a written statement on Tuesday (12/5/2026). He stressed that the challenges faced by regional heads are becoming increasingly complex amid global uncertainties. Moreover, regions are also tasked with overseeing various National Strategic Programmes, including the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. “This condition is seen as increasingly challenging, especially since Indonesia is racing to optimise its demographic bonus to escape the middle-income trap and achieve the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045,” he explained. To that end, Bima urged regional heads to set aside sectoral egos that have hindered inter-regional cooperation, particularly in food supply distribution. He emphasised the importance of mastering precise and real-time big data so that regions with surplus commodities can support those experiencing shortages. “Well, this remains our challenge in building real-time data for you to make effective cooperation decisions. Which regions have excess supply, which need it, and what can be collaborated on,” he explained. Besides food issues, Bima also highlighted the importance of accelerating the energy transition, particularly in developing the electric vehicle ecosystem. He asked all regional heads to have a uniform understanding of the Circular Letter from the Minister of Home Affairs (SE Mendagri) dated 22 April 2026, which regulates full exemption from Motor Vehicle Tax (PKB) and Motor Vehicle Ownership Transfer Fee (BBNKB) for electric vehicles. According to him, although this policy has the potential to reduce Original Regional Income (PAD) in the short term, its long-term benefits are far greater. These range from operational efficiency and improved air quality to the creation of new jobs in the green energy sector. Bima also encouraged regional heads to continue producing innovations in exploring their respective regional potentials to support economic growth. He affirmed that increasing PAD does not always have to be achieved through tax increases, but can be realised through creativity and optimisation of local potentials. “Many regions are very creative. They can increase PAD in ways that are actually ordinary but turn out to have tremendous impacts. This is creative regional leadership, not just raising taxes,” he concluded.