Deputy Interior Minister Urges Synergy Between Regions and Centre to Curb Inflation and Poverty

Deputy Interior Minister Bima Aria Wibawa stated this at the National Development Orchestration Forum held at the Platinum Hotel in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on Tuesday (5/5). The forum’s theme was ‘Regional Synergy in Addressing Challenges with a Focus on Accelerating the Reduction of Unemployment, Poverty, and Stunting, Controlling Inflation, and Strengthening Creative Financing Schemes.’

In his presentation, Bima highlighted the complexity of the challenges currently faced by regional heads. These challenges are not only related to local issues but are also influenced by global dynamics and the direction of national policies.

He explained that these challenges encompass global pressures such as fluctuations in energy prices and inflation, national policy dynamics with various priority programmes, as well as local demands in fulfilling political promises and basic public services. This situation requires regional heads to have adaptive capacity as well as strong execution skills.

‘Currently, as someone who has experienced difficult times leading a region, I very much understand the inner atmosphere of how challenging it is to be a regional head, regent, mayor, or governor,’ Bima said in his statement on Wednesday (6/5/2026).

Furthermore, Bima emphasised the importance of applying the concept of statecraft in government governance. This includes the ability of leaders to think strategically, be skilled in implementation, and possess trustworthy integrity.

‘A new way of managing the state that requires reliable, skilled, and intelligent leaders,’ he stressed.

In addition, Bima encouraged strengthening more flexible sectoral collaboration, particularly in controlling inflation, increasing Regional Original Revenue, and optimising development financing, including through creative schemes.

He hopes that this forum will produce concrete steps that can be immediately implemented. Thus, the synergy between the centre and regions does not stop at formal coordination but has a real impact on society.